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UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 



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MEMOIR Jr* ^^ 

AND - 

CORRESPONDENCE <£*$*- 

OF /**•/*+ J &>* *-* 

MRS. MARY AM ODIOBNE CLARK. 



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BY ETAUDEN, M*Q* 



WRITTEN FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY, 
AND REVISED BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION. 



BOSTON: 

MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY, 
Depository, No. 13 Cornhill. 

1 8 3 7 * 



3J(lz ioO 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by 

CHRISTOPHER C. DEAN 
in the Clerk's Office of the District Cgurt o'f Massachusetts. 



3 <n*6 



CONTENTS. 



Page* 
Introduction, . y 



CHAPTER I. 

Parentage — Early History, , II 

CHAPTER II. 

Residence at Bradford — Conversion, 17 

CHAPTER III. 

"Sisters' Circle" — Extracts from Letters, . 27 

CHAPTER IV. 

Extracts from her Journal, ,.,...,... 68 



IV CONTE NTS. 

CHAPTER V. 

Page. 
Residence in Boston — Attends on the Ministry of 
Rev. S. E. Dwight — Makes a public Profession of 
Religion — Extracts from her Journal and Letters,. . 83 

CHAPTER VI. 

Resides at Maiden— Letters, 1825 to 1828, 113 

CHAPTER VII. 

Residence at Randolph — Character as an Instructer — 
Letters, 144 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Marriage — Residence at Hudson, Ohio — Character — 
Extracts from her Journal and Letters, 173 

CHAPTER IX. 

Last Sickness and Death— Death of her Child, .... 195 

CHAPTER X. 

Reflections — Testimonials — Conclusion, 212 



INTRODUCTION, 



A distinguished minister once said, 
that he had never perused the memoir 
of a pious individual, however humble, 
without forming a resolution to live a 
more devoted and godly life. The 
tendency of well-written Christian bi- 
ography, therefore, is to extend and to 
perpetuate the description of character 
which it professes to delineate. The 
exhortations of the pious dead come to 
us like a voice from the upper world, 
cheering us onward in the Christian 
race. The record of their bright ex- 
ample produces a holy emulation of 



MEMOIR. 



CHAPTER I. 

Parentage ; — Death of her Mother ; — Mrs. Moore ; — 
Residence at Randolph ; — Death of Dr. Strong. 

Mrs. Mary Ann Odiorne Clark, wife of 
Rev. Ansel R. Clark, of Hudson, Ohio, was 
born at Boston, May 27, 1801. She was the 
child of respectable parents, and the eldest of 
a numerous family. Her father, Mr. Thomas 
Odiorne, was the son of Dea. Thomas Odiorne, 
of Exeter, New Hampshire, " a man full of 
faith and of the Holy Ghost." Her mother, 
whose name she bore, was the daughter of the 
Hon. Israel Bartlett, of Haverhill, who is still 
living at an advanced age. In the families of 
both her grand-parents, Mary Ann spent many 

2 



12 



MEMOIR OF 



happy hours ; and the kindness she uniformly 
received, was warmly reciprocated. 

At the early age of six years, she was called 
to partake of the cup of affliction. The affec- 
tionate mother who had watched over her in- 
fancy, was removed by death. She was then, 
in accordance with her mother's dying request, 
placed in the family of Mrs. Moore, a sister of 
her father. In her aunt she found an affec- 
tionate friend and an able counsellor. This 
lady was distinguished for the mildness and 
urbanity of her manners, and possessed an 
uncommon tact for the management of chil- 
dren. Her disposition was amiable ; her per- 
sonal appearance uncommonly attractive ; her 
government firm, yet affectionate. She did 
not adopt the common error, that knowledge 
alone will correct the wayward propensities of 
the heart. She neglected no favorable oppor- 
tunities for imparting light to the understand- 
ing, but was still more solicitous to secure a 
right state of the moral feelings. It was a 
maxim she taught by example, as well as by 
precept, that personal happiness is to be sought, 
chiefly by an effort to promote happiness in 



MRS. M. A. 0. CLARK. 13 

others. Her niece was capable of appreciating 
her instructions, and early acquired those habits 
of self-denial and self-control which were re- 
markably conspicuous through all her future 
life. 

After her father's second marriage, Mary 
Ann returned to the paternal roof, where she 
was cordially received, and where she enjoyed 
such privileges as the place of her parents' 
residence afforded. These, however, were 
quite limited, as is frequently the case in man- 
ufacturing villages; and, at the age of ten 
years, she was sent to reside, for a time, in the 
family of the Rev. Jonathan Strong, D. D., of 
Randolph. 

It is not usually desirable that children 
should be removed from the family circle at so 
early a period of life. Parental supervision is 
a part of the divine economy, and, in ordinary 
cases, cannot safely be dispensed with nor 
transferred. There may be rare exceptions to 
this rule ; and the present instance was, prob- 
ably, of this description. She was in the fam- 
ily of a near relative, who felt a deep interest 
in her welfare, and who was eminently quali- 



14 MEMOIR or 

fied to guide the minds of the young. Miss 
Rebecca Eaton, whose school she attended, 
was a resident in the same family. The school 
itself had a high reputation. The pupils were 
select, and the number limited. Mary Ann's 
progress in study was satisfactory. It is not 
supposed, however, that she was remarkably 
distinguished, in this respect, from other chil- 
dren of her age. She was an affectionate and 
pleasant child, cheerful in her obedience, and 
beloved by her teachers and companions. 

In the year 1811, there was an interesting 
revival of religion at Randolph, which extend- 
ed to Miss Eaton's school, and several of the 
pupils became hopeful subjects of divine grace. 
It is not known that Mary Ann manifested any 
unusual anxiety respecting her spiritual con- 
cerns, at that time ; and it will appear, in the 
sequel, that she did not indulge a hope of a 
saving interest in Christ, until several years 
afterward. Yet, who can tell what might 
have been the influence of those early impres- 
sions, and how far they may have contributed 
to give her an insight into her own character, 
and to lay the foundation for those high attain- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 15 

ments in piety at which she subsequently ar- 
rived ? 

It is believed that deep religious feeling is 
not uncommon in the minds of quite young 
children ; and that that feeling, if it were en- 
couraged and directed aright, would often 
result in the surrender of the heart to God. 
The annals of the Sabbath school afford 
numerous illustrations of the truth of this opin- 
ion ; and when the whole church shall unite 
their prayers and efforts, simultaneously, with 
reference to the immediate conversion of the 
young, no doubt, the number of youthful disci- 
ples will be greatly multiplied. 

In the year 1814, the beloved uncle with 
whom Mary Ann had resided, was suddenly 
removed by a violent disease ; and, soon after, 
his daughter, nearly of Mary Ann's own age, 
and with whom she had been very intimate. 
The death of these kind friends, together with 
the severe and protracted sickness of other 
members of the family, was adapted to awaken 
deep feeling in her susceptible mind. 

And yet, how often are such seasons allowed 
to pass away without due improvement ! Dur- 
9* 



16 MEMOIR OF MRS. M. A. O. CLA.RK. 

ing the prevalence of severe epidemics, the 
attention is so engrossed with a multiplicity of 
cares, that there is but little time or inclination 
to turn the thoughts inward, with a view to 
inquire, what are the prospects of the soul for 
eternity ? 

In the present instance, although Mary Ann 
was a sincere mourner, yet, as time assuaged 
the poignancy of her grief, it also removed 
whatever of special thoughtfulness the occasion 
had produced. 

From this period, she passed three or four 
years, partly in her father's family at Maiden, 
and partly with her friends in Exeter, Haver- 
hill, and Boston. 



CHAPTER II. 

Residence at Bradford Academy ;— Conversion* 

In May, 1818, at the age of seventeen, 
Miss Odiorne became a pupil at Bradford 
Academy. It is often said, that some solitary 
and apparently unimportant circumstance or- 
dinarily determines the character and condi- 
tion of most persons for life. So it proved in 
relation to the subject of this memoir, as to her 
residence at Bradford. She had many times 
before had slight convictions of sin, but here 
they ripened into deep anxiety. It was a time 
of revival. Within a few short months, she 
experienced a radical change of views and 
feelings on religious subjects. At the close of 
the season, when she left the institution, she 
was not the gay and thoughtless youth she had 
been when she entered it. Her mind had 
become more matured by a diligent attention 



18 



MEMOIR OF 



to her prescribed studies, and her affections 
were no longer fixed, supremely, on the world. 
Henceforth she appeared to live, not to herself, 
but to God. 

Bradford was, at that time, a consecrated 
place. Beautifully situated on the southern 
bank of the Merrimac, with the village of 
Haverhill on the opposite bank, and the moun- 
tain scenery of New Hampshire in the distant 
prospect, it then was, and still is, a delightful 
residence. At this place, during a session of 
the General Association of Massachusetts, the 
consultations were held which resulted in the 
formation of the American Board of Commis- 
sioners for Foreign Missions. It bad been the 
birth-place of at least one of the devoted fe- 
males who were associated with the first band 
of American missionaries to foreign lands ; and 
the place where most, if not all of them, had 
received their education. Here, too, many 
other ladies, distinguished for piety, the living 
and the dead, had not only acquired the ele- 
ments of human knowledge, but had learned 
the preciousness of Christ. It had often been 
the scene of interesting revivals of religion, 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 19 

and, as a seminary for the education of young 
ladies, enjoyed the reputation of being equal 
to any similar institution in the land. 

With a knowledge of these facts, it is not 
strange that Mary Ann should anticipate a 
residence at this place with emotions of pleas- 
ure. In a familiar conversation with one of 
her teachers, she remarked, that "when she 
knew her parents designed sending her to 
Bradford, she daily prayed that, while there, 
she might become religious." Yet how de- 
ceitful is the human heart ! How delusive the 
impression many individuals, in a state of im- 
penitence, appear to entertain, that they are 
not only willing, but even anxious, to become 
pious ! She subsequently confessed that, after 
the revival commenced, "when she saw the 
young ladies anxious, and heard them inquire 
what they must do to be saved, she thought 
there was a weakness in it she could not 
brook." Nor was her case singular. To 
multitudes, no doubt, piety appears desirable, 
not from any love to its duties or to its Author, 
but as a means of avoiding certain evils to 
which the impenitent are exposed. But when 



20 MEMOIR OF 

its spiritual nature comes to be fully appre- 
hended ; when it is perceived that it secures 
personal happiness only on condition of repent- 
ance, faith, obedience, and self-renunciation, it 
loses all its attractions. That which, at a dis- 
tance, was looked upon with complacency, 
appears, now, on a nearer inspection, distasteful, 
and even repulsive. 

There is another obstacle to be overcome. 
The impenitent have not moral courage to 
meet the frowns and sneers of their thoughtless 
companions. Hence, they are disposed to 
resist the monitions of conscience ; and often, 
in presence of their associates, they assume an 
air of indifference which ill comports with their 
feelings in the hour of solitude and retirement. 

The instructer before alluded to, remarks, 
"Well do I remember, that, when forty or 
fifty of the young ladies assembled at recess, 
for the purpose of conversing on the great real- 
ities of eternity, Miss Odiorne, with two other 
young ladies, would walk gaily away, sporting 
themselves with every flower and butterfly 
that chanced in their path. While one and 
another, with whom they had enjoyed sweet 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 21 

converse, were either subjects of pungent con- 
viction, or rejoicing in hope, these kindred 
spirits made vigorous efforts to stifle conviction, 
and to show the school that they had too much 
strength of intellect to be drawn away by such 
weakness." 

Yet, with all this apparent indifference, 
Mary Ann's mind was ill at ease. On the 
one side, was a sense of danger, and a strong 
conviction of duty ; on the other, pride, and, 
what she afterwards called, an " idolatrous at- 
tachment to the world." The struggle was 
severe ; the more so, in consequence of her 
efforts to conceal it. While with her two 
chosen companions, she could publicly assume 
the appearance of indifference, or even gayety ; 
yet, in her retirement, her heart was sad. In 
a letter to an intimate friend, she writes, " I 
enjoy great privileges; what shall I do if I 
neglect them ? What will become of me, if I 
leave this place without religion ? Write soon ; 
advise and counsel me — tell me your own feel- 
ings and proceedings." 

Two thoughts seemed to have been power- 
fully impressed on her mind at that time : the 



22 MEMOIR OF 

infinite importance of religion to her future 
well-being, and the great probability that this 
was her last call. She remembered that it 
was said of Ephraim, " He is joined to his 
idols, let him alone ;" and she trembled lest 
her condition should be similar. 

This state of mind, in connexion with pun- 
gent conviction, is believed to be very com- 
mon ; and it is a feeling which cannot safely 
be repelled. To resist it, is deliberately to 
jeopard the soul upon the mere contingency of 
a future season to do that which ought not to 
be postponed a single moment. It is wound- 
ing the Savior, who died for sinners, and 
grieving the Spirit, who is their only sanctifier. 
It is a sin against which the Bible warns us in 
the most pathetic terms — a sin which has 
drawn down many a precious soul from the 
confines of the kingdom of heaven, and plunged 
it into remediless wo. 

The instructer adds, — "This state of things 
did not long continue. It was but a few days 
before Mary Ann was obliged to yield to the 
monitions of conscience, and the teachings of 
the Holy Spirit. One Saturday afternoon, at 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 23 

a meeting of a benevolent society, composed 
of members of tbe seminary, she was made to 
feel in view of a judgment to come. In read- 
ing part of a sermon, peculiarly adapted to her 
case, she burst into tears. She could no long- 
er resist an influence which had been silently 
affecting her heart from the commencement of 
the revival. One of the members of the soci- 
ety, a professor of religion, now felt encouraged 
to converse with her ; and she urged, together 
with other duties, that of prayer. Miss O. 
exclaimed, with stifled emotion, " I do pray, as 
sincerely as an impenitent sinner can pray." 

However unwelcome religious conversation 
had heretofore been, she was now ready to 
hear. She retired from that meeting with a 
determination to make the subject of salvation 
her chief concern. The more she reflected on 
the subject, the more deeply did she realize 
her guilt and danger. Her anxiety became 
extreme. She was borne down under the 
weight of her sins. She had a great dread of 
losing her religious impressions. She was as- 
sailed by strong temptations. But grace tri- 
umphed. The darkness of that distressing 

3 



24 MEMOIR OF 

hour was dissipated. In a few days, her ap- 
pearance indicated an entire change in her 
feelings. She had committed her case to God. 
Hope, a trembling hope that, through Christ, 
he had become a reconciled Father, gave an 
aspect of complacency to the countenance, and 
serenity to the soul. From this period, her 
course was onward, and her piety uniform and 
consistent. " While a member of the semina- 
ry, she ever gave the most convincing evidence 
that a work of grace had been wrought in her 
heart. Though the evidence of such a work 
seemed to herself like the faint glimmering of 
dawn, still, as she advanced in her Christian 
course, it grew brighter and brighter unto the 
perfect day." 

Such is the testimony of one who knew her 
well — who watched the first pulsations of 
spiritual life in her renewed heart — who pray- 
ed with and counselled her, and for whose 
Christian kindness she ever cherished the most 
grateful recollections. And if the redeemed 
in the world of glory shall be permitted to 
recognize and hold intercourse with those pious 
friends who, under God, were made the instru- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 25 

ments of their conversion on earth, (and who 
will question the reality of this delightful 
thought?) how will their hearts kindle with 
holy emotion, as they exchange their heavenly 
salutations, and sing, in strains of celestial har- 
mony, " Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but 
to thy name give glory !" 

Although piety communicates no new facul- 
ties to the soul, it awakens to new activity 
those which already exist, and gives them a 
right direction. It harmonizes the discordant 
elements of character, and sheds over them a 
delightful consistency. Mary Ann did not 
become a recluse in consequence of becoming 
religious. She lost not her attachment to her 
friends. She regarded, no less than before, 
the common courtesies and civilities of life. 
But while, in every relation, she performed her 
duties faithfully, it was manifest, in her whole 
deportment, that her thoughts and affections 
"were not confined to earth. From the time 
she first indulged a hope of a special interest 
in the Redeemer, she appeared never to forget 
her high calling. One of her companions at 
Bradford, who never saw her afterwards, on 



26 MEMOIR OF MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 

reading an account of her death, as it was first 
published, in the Ohio Observer, remarked, 
" It was such a death as I should have expect- 
ed she would die. I never was acquainted 
with a more consistent and devoted Christian." 
And another friend, in urging the publication 
of a memoir of her life, observed, " 1 have 
never known any one possessed of more real 
excellence of character." 

The writer has been surprised, in looking 
over her numerous letters, to notice in them 
all, how naturally and easily, and almost un- 
consciously, the subject of religion is introduced. 
It was a theme on which she delighted to 
dwell. The Savior was embalmed in her 
own heart, and she loved to speak of him to 
others. In performing the offices of piety, she 
found her chief delight ; and her ardent desire 
to see all her friends happy, led her to recom- 
mend to them that religion which she viewed 
as the only unfailing source of true felicity. 



CHAPTER III. 

" Sisters' Circle ;" — Extracts from Letters. 

During the revival at Bradford Academy, in 
the spring term of 1818, a very peculiar friend- 
ship was formed among a circle of young 
ladies. Fifteen of this circle were professors 
of religion before the school commenced ; and 
the others, with the exception of four, hoped 
they had become savingly interested in Christ 
during the progress of this highly favored 
season. 

Mrs. Spaulding, wife of Rev. Levi Spaul- 
ding, of Oodooville, Ceylon, — then Mary 
Christie, — was one of the number. The 
members of this circle had enjoyed much in 
each other's society, and felt desirous of doing 
good in a social way. As Mrs. Spaulding 
was expected to leave the country in the ca- 
pacity of a missionary, the idea was suggested 
3 # 



28 



MEMOIR OF 



of supporting two children in her family, at 
Ceylon. Before the plan was fully matured, 
one of the number, Miss Fanny Baker, of 
Dedham, died in the triumphs of faith. It 
was then decided to call one of the children 
by her name, and the other Parker Kimball 
Hasseltine, after the instructers in the Acade- 
my, viz., Miss Hasseltine, who still remains 
as a teacher, Miss Kimball, now wife of Rev. 
A. Phillips, late of Princeton, Ms., and Miss 
Parker, wife of Rev. Isaac Bird, missionary at 
Bey root. 

As Miss Odiorne was an active member in 
this association, contributed regularly to its 
funds, and felt a deep interest in its object, 
and as it was an association highly honorable 
to all concerned, and exceedingly useful in its 
results, it is thought that some further notice of 
it may, with propriety, be introduced, and will 
be acceptable to the readers of this memoir. 

"constitution of the sisters circle. 
" Desirous of cementing more firmly a friend- 
ship formed at Bradford Academy, and of ex- 
pressing our gratitude to Him who there visited 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 29 

us by his grace, we agree to form ourselves 
into a society, and adopt the following consti- 
tution : 

Article I. This association shall be called 
the Sisters' Circle of Bradford Academy. 

II. The moneys collected in this Circle 
shall be appropriated to the education of two 
heathen children, a male and a female. 

III. These children shall be placed in 
the family of Rev. Levi Spaulding, at Ceylon, 
and called Parker Kimball Hasseltine, and 
Fanny Baker. 

IV. The officers of the Circle shall consist 
of a Secretary and Treasurer. 

V. Each member shall write, annually, as 
soon as the third week in November, to the 
Secretary, giving an account of her situation, 
feelings, &:c. 

VI. It shall be the duty of the Secretary 
to take a summary of this account, and forward 
it to Mrs. Spaulding, and to record the pro- 
ceedings of the Circle. 

VII. The Treasurer shall take charge of 
all moneys, and forward them to the Treasurer 
of the American Board of Commissioners for 



30 



MEMOIR OF 



Foreign Missions, before the first day of Janu- 
ary in each year, and give a statement of the 
amount received to the Secretary of the Circle. 

VIII. Each member shall pay to the 
Treasurer not less than one dollar annually. 

IX. If any member be disposed to give 
more than the sum required, the overplus shall 
be kept as a stationary fund, in case of the 
failure of any of the members." 

Of the twenty-eight members who subscrib- 
ed this constitution, fifteen were professors of 
religion previous to 1818 ; and of these fifteen, 
five became pious at Bradford Academy, at a 
former season of revival there. Nine of the 
Circle became hopefully pious in 1818; and 
of the remaining four, three have become hope- 
fully pious since. 

Nine members, including the subject of this 
memoir, have become the wives of ministers 
or missionaries : # Eunice Tuttle, wife of Rev. 
G. B. Perry, East Bradford, Ms. ; Nancy W. 
Newell, wife of Rev. Wm. Tyler, South Had- 
ley, Ms. ; Rebecca E. Guild, wife of Rev. 
Leonard Luce, Westford, Ms. ; # Vina Everett, 

*Dead. 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 31 

wife of Mr. Hooper, missionary to the West ; 
Elizabeth Fairbanks, do. ; Emily Parker, wife 
of Rev. James Kimball, Oakham, Ms. ; *Sa- 
rah Tyler, wife of Rev. Mr. Smith, Wilming- 
ton, Vt. ; Martha Kittredge, wife of Rev. S. 
Morse, Sharon, Vt. ; *Mary Ann Odiorne, 
wife of Rev. Ansel R. Clark, Hudson, Ohio. 

Nine others are married, but what their 
sphere of usefulness has been, is not known to 
the writer. A number of the other ten have 
been engaged in teaching, more or less ; and 
there is no doubt that the influence of the in- 
dividuals composing the Circle, has been high- 
ly salutary. Five of the number have already 
gone to their reward, viz., Mrs. Perry, Mrs. 
Hills, formerly Maria Richardson, Mrs. Hoop- 
er, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Clark. These all died 
peaceful and happy deaths ; and their early 
departure is a solemn warning to each of the 
survivors : " Be ye also ready ; for in such an 
hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh." 

Respecting the children, Mrs. Spaulding 
writes, Sept. 1822 : " Parker Kimball Hassel- 
tine has been with us about four months, and 
is, I should think, eight years old. He is a 



32 



MEMOIR OF 



fine Tamul scholar, and, since he came to us, 
has made uncommon proficiency in English. 
We hope he will prove himself worthy the 
benevolent patronage of our dear sisters, who, 
no doubt, will often remember him in their 
prayers. The girl we have selected to bear 
the name of our beloved Fanny, is the daugh- 
ter of a man of respectable caste, who, we 
hope, has been lately brought out of heathen- 
ish darkness into the glorious light of the gos- 
pel. Her mother is also, we have reason to 
think, inquiring what she must do to be saved. 
This daughter is their only child, and is about 
seven years old. She is the first we have 
obtained ; and, so far as we can judge, she pos- 
sesses a sweet disposition and uncommon 
powers of intellect, compared with native chil- 
dren generally." 

Dec. 1824. Mrs. S., in a letter giving an 
account of a revival, remarks, " We hope that 
as many as forty or fifty, in our several board- 
ing-schools, have been gathered into the king- 
dom. Fanny professes to have a hope that 
her heart has been changed, although she does 
not appear as well as many of the other girls. 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 33 

I hope, however, that she has been born again. 
For more than two years, she has suffered 
from repeated illness, and, of course, has not 
made that advance in study and work that 
many others have. She is now somewhat 
better, and, I hope, will prove herself worthy 
of her name. Hasseltine is a pleasant boy 
and a good scholar, and is now, with many 
others of the children in our schools, seeking 
the salvation of his soul." 

Aug. 1825. "You have doubtless heard 
of the death of Fanny Baker, the dear child 
of your charity and prayers. She died the 
14th of March, and went to God, and I hope 
to heaven, to meet our dear departed Fanny, 
whose name she bore. For about two years, 
she had been unwell of a bilious complaint, 
which had partially impeded her progress in 
study and sewing. She could, however, read 
and sew pretty well, and was a quiet and 
pleasant child. Being somewhat more unwell 
than usual, she went home to her father's 
house, where, I suppose, she took the cholera, 
which was at that time raging in the neighbor- 
hood. She came to our house soon after she 



34 MEMOIR OF 

was attacked ; but, as we were not aware of 
her situation, and as she did not appear to be 
much unwell, we neglected to give her medi- 
cine ; and, as we were going to Oodooville to 
spend the Sabbath, we took her with us. Her 
father also went, and assisted in taking care of 
her. She continued to grow worse fast ; and 
on Monday morning, without much apparent 
suffering, closed her eyes in death. I watched 
with her a part of Sabbath night, and was 
gratified to find, that, though much under the 
influence of medicine, and unable to speak but 
little, her thoughts seemed to be heavenward. 
Her father said that, in the fore part of the 
night, she several times engaged in prayer, 
and, in answer to some inquiries, expressed a 
hope of going to heaven. During the past 
revival, she manifested some concern for her 
soul, though she gave no very decided evi- 
dence of being born again, until about three 
months before her death. Her conduct was 
uniformly consistent, and, for the last three 
months, she was very regular and constant in 
her private devotions, and in all her conduct 
and conversation, appeared like a Christian. 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 35 

Hasseltine is still without God and without 
hope in the world. I can only say of him, 
that he is a good scholar and a promising boy. 
He has many serious thoughts, but still needs 
your prayers." 

Who can calculate the amount of good 
which has resulted, and will yet result, to the 
church and to the world, from the prayers and 
labors of this devoted band of females ? 

The following letters, written during the 
residence of Mary Ann at Bradford, and the 
two succeeding years, will be read with inter- 
est by her early friends. The style is chaste 
and familiar, and they are mostly on religious 
subjects. 

To H. E. G. 

" My situation here is pleasant beyond my 
expectations. My opportunities are invaluable. 
I feel condemned that they are not better im- 
proved. If we could for a moment feel the 
importance of our eternal welfare, we should 
not rest unreconciled to God. I feel as though 
I had no enemy in creation equal to my own 
heart. T frequently wish to be delivered from 
4 



36 



MEMOIR OF 



myself. Pray that I may not be deceived with 
false hopes. 

u July 30. In the evening we attended a 
scholars' meeting at the Academy — the last 
time we shall meet this term. It was extreme- 
ly affecting. Mr. C. spoke very feelingly. 
The thought of the separation which is soon to 
take place, cast a gloom upon all our feelings. 
We sung, « Blest be the tie that binds,' &tc. 

"Sept. 1818. We are again assembled; 
but we look around in vain for many of those 
dear friends whose society we enjoyed the last 
term. But should we not be resigned to sepa- 
ration from friends as a means of drawing off 
our affections from earthly objects ? 

" Oct. ISIS. Perhaps you may have heard 
of the death of H. Ks. father. Her affliction 
is great, as she has lost almost her whole de- 
pendence, and she has been hardly able to sub- 
mit to the stroke. How entirely selfish is that 
sorrow which is felt for friends that we believe 
have gone to heaven. It seems that prepara- 
tion to meet them there should be our chief 
concern." 

To Miss Fanny Baker she writes, in refer- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 37 

ence to the contemplated departure of their mu- 
tual friend, Mrs. S., on a mission to Ceylon, — 

" I cannot realize that Mary is about to leave 
us for ever. Is it possible that we shall never 
behold her again? Yes, we shall meet, and 
shortly too. It is of little consequence where 
this short life is spent, if it be only in the ser- 
vice of our heavenly Father. Although we 
are separated, it is indeed a blessing that we 
may meet at the throne of grace. Will you 
not, dear R., remember me there. 

"Nov. 21. Our time here is short. Let us 
improve it in the service of our Redeemer. 
Oh, that we both may be enabled to do much 
for him on earth, and at length be permitted to 
spend an eternity in his presence. 

"Tell dear M. that she must seek religion. 
She will never find happiness in this life, what- 
ever situation she may be placed in, unless she 
has an interest in the Savior. 

"Nov. Dear L., we feel your absence 
very sensibly. O, that we might hear that 
you are a child of God ! Why will you not 
determine to devote your life to his service. 
Nothing else is worth living for." • 



38 MEMOIR OF 

To another dear friend she writes, — 
" Dec. 1 1 . The enjoyments of the world 
are unsatisfying. He alone is happy whose 
treasure is in heaven. How desirable that we, 
who are so joined in affection for one another, 
should also be united in love to Christ !" 

The two following letters were written to a 
very dear friend, who afterward became hope- 
fully pious, and who still cherishes a grateful 
remembrance of that faithful and beloved com- 
panion who is called before her, to the abodes 
of the blessed. 

To Miss R. E. G. 

" Bradford, , 1818. 



"Dear Friend, 

" The sorrow I feel that you must so 
soon return home, is heightened by a fear that 
you will leave without having your peace made 
with God. My dear girl, you will return to 
your friends, and in a few years, perhaps 
months, your Bradford friends will be forgotten, 
and all the serious impressions you have re- 
ceived here erased from your mind ; in short, 
shall I say, R. will become entirely thought- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 39 

less. But no, I cannot bear the idea. It 
cannot be that all the solemn warnings 
you have received here will be lost, or 
only remain to aggravate your condemnation. 
Dear R., why will you leave B. without seek- 
ing an interest in Christ ? You are convinced 
of the importance of religion ; then how can 
you defer attending to it ? You say you wish 
to be a Christian ; why then neglect the con- 
cerns of the soul ? 

" My dear friend, now is the time. Choose 
whom you will serve. Declare yourself on 
the Lord's side. Be decided. If you really 
desire religion, no doubt you will eventually 
obtain it. We must soon meet at the bar of 
God. Oh, let us prepare for that hour. How 
can we bear the sentence, " depart ?" How 
can we bear the thought of being for ever ban- 
ished from the Savior's presence ? Remem- 
ber that, although we may spend our lives in 
the pursuit of earthly pleasure, happiness will, 
ever elude our grasp, if we slight religion. 
The hour will come, when we shall realize 
the worth of the soul. That hour may come 
too late. Adieu. Mary Ann." 



40 MEMOIR OF 

To Miss R. E. G. 

" Bradford, J\"ov.8, 1818. 
" Dear R., 

" The hurry and confusion of preparing for 

examination are very disagreeable to me. 

There is so much to do in preparing for that 

day, that we are apt to neglect things of far 

greater importance. Happy would it be, were 

we as anxiously engaged in making suitable 

preparation for our appearance at the bar of 

God. 

" In two short weeks, we must all disperse — 

how few to meet again ! Do not let the 

pleasures of the world prevent your attending 

to the concerns of the soul. 

" Yours affectionately, 

" Mary Ann." 

The following letters, written during the year 
1819, evince her own growth in grace, and 
her faithfulness to those of her correspondents 
who were destitute of an interest in the Savior. 

« Jan. 2, 1819. 
" Beloved Frieud, 

" The means of grace are very limited 

in this place. Not one religious meeting have 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 41 

I attended since my return, except on the 
Sabbath. I have but little enjoyment, and I 
fear the reason is, that I have been depending 
too much on my own feelings, instead of rest- 
ing on an all-sufficient Savior. Mrs. Graham, 
in a letter to a desponding friend, says, i Give 
over diving into your own heart and frames, 
and endeavor to confide in an all-sufficient 
Savior to keep you from foes without and foes 
within.' 

" Dear F., if our hope is not founded on 
the atonement, how can we expect peace ? for 
God, out of Christ, is i a consuming fire.' " 

To Miss C. J. 

"It has occurred to me, perhaps C. has 
become engaged in the cause of the Redeem- 
er. Perhaps the faithful entreaties of our 
friends at Bradford have persuaded her to 
accept an offered Savior. My dear friend, 
what joy would this give to many of your 
friends on earth ! and may we not suppose 
that those who are departed would rejoice 
with joy unspeakable ? 

" Days, months, and years fly swiftly away. 



42 MKMOIR OF 

Let us, then, improve ; the fleeting now.'' Is 
it not amazing, that, convinced as we are of 
the shortness of time, we should be unwilling 
to think of the realities of eternity ?" 

To the same. 
"Dear C. y 

" My thoughts are often with you, and 
I imagine your time passes pleasantly and 
profitably. But, in the midst of such engage- 
ments, do not forget 'one thing is needful.' 
Let us, dear C, both determine that we will 
fix our affections on things above." 

To Miss A. O. B. 

" Saco, March 9, 1819. 
" M}' dear Friend, 

" I have received your kind letter. 
I had seen, in the public papers, a notice of 
your sister's death, and have wished to hear 
more particularly before writing to you. A 
separation from a beloved sister must be pecu- 
liarly trying ; but praised be His name who 
granted her so sweet a release ; whose rod and 
staff sustained her through the dark vallev of 
death. 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 43 

"It would only be a selfish sorrow, to 
mourn her departure under such happy cir- 
cumstances, unless it were from a desire that 
she should have spent a little longer time on 
earth, to set an example of piety, and of doing 
good. To our superficial view, this might 
seem to have been best. But we know that 
he who ordereth all things, ordereth all things 
well" 

To the same. 
& Dear A., 

" Surrounded as you are by earthly 

comforts and friends, is there not danger of 

your neglecting your eternal interests ? 

"Beware of what 'earth calls happiness.' 
It is illusive. 

"Days, months, and years swiftly pass 
away, and the hour rapidly approaches in 
which our souls must leave their earthly habi- 
tation. In that solemn hour, if unprepared for 
death, with what horror shall we look back on 
misspent time ! How shall we exclaim, with 
Altamont, ' Oh, for a single week !' Surely, 
each moment of our lives should be spent in 
preparation for that great change." 



44 MEMOIR OF 

To Miss C. O. T. 

_ i, " May 12, 1819, 

"Dear C., * 

" Thanks to our heavenly Father, that 
he condescends to direct us through this wil- 
derness. Oh, that it may be our aim to obey 
him with all the heart, love him above all 
other things, and strive, whatever we do, that 
it may be for his glory. 

" The removal of our grandfather was rather 
a subject of rejoicing than of grief. He has 
now obtained that release which, for years, he 
has longed for, patiently waiting the Lord's 
time. It is not often that we meet with one 
who has lived so spiritual a life ; and we trust 
he now enjoys the immediate presence of that 
Savior whom, on earth, he so sincerely loved 
and served. Oh, my cousin, let us, as he did, 
devote ourselves to God in youth, and, by 
patient continuance in well doing, seek for 
glory, honor, and immortality." 

To A. T. O. 

"March 26, 1819. 
" Beloved Friend, 

" During the past winter, I have felt 

more interested in the subject of religion than 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 45 

ever before. All other things have appeared 
trifling, compared with the concerns of the 
soul. But still my temptations have been 
few ; and freedom from the allurements of the 
world has, perhaps, caused this indifference to 
worldly things. The thought often occurs, 
that, under greater temptations to depart from 
the straight and narrow path, my heart may 
yield. When we know that our spiritual ene- 
my is constantly ' seeking whom he may de- 
vour/ how watchful ought we to be I" 

To N. 
"Dear N., 

" 1 have, this evening, received a few 
lines from F. She says, c I have just received 
a letter from sister N., expressing a change in 
her feelings.' 

"My beloved friend, let me rejoice with 
you ; let me praise the Lord, that he has gra- 
ciously revealed himself, and given you that 
peace which passeth knowledge. O, that my 
heart may glow with warmer emotions of love 
to him. Do write, and communicate your 
feelings freely." 



46 MEMOIR OF 

To Miss L. 

" You have uncommon reason to be thank- 
ful that so many of your nearest friends have 
1 set their faces heavenward ;' and it is the 
wish of my heart, that you may be enabled to 
join with them in earnest endeavors to promote 
the kingdom of Christ. I know that dear L. 
feels religion to be more important than any 
earthly concern ; and may I not hope you 
have obtained that peace of mind which springs 
from unreserved submission to the will of 
God?" 

To C. 
"Dear C, 

" While you are in a place where the 
religious privileges have been greatly blessed 
to the good of many, where you have the 
society of pious friends, and see those around 
you anxious for their salvation, I think you 
cannot remain unconcerned. Are not these 
things a loud call to you also? Do not let 
worldly interests prevent your immediate at- 
tention to the concerns of the soul." 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 47 

To Misses R. and C. Baker. 

" Maiden, July 23, 1819. 
*« Dearly beloved Friends, 

" Your heavenly Father has been 
pleased to visit you with great affliction ; but 
I hope and trust he has also afforded you the 
consolations of his Spirit, which are neither 
few nor small. Notwithstanding your trials, 
I doubt not your minds retain that true 
peace which is inseparable from a patient 
acquiescence in the will of God. 'We see 
God in all things/ says the pious Fenelon ; 
1 but we never see him so clearly, nor with so 
much advantage, as in our sufferings and hu- 
miliation.' Is it not thus with you, my be- 
loved friends? Have you not found it good 
to be afflicted ? I trust you have been enabled 
to say, with perfect resignation, ' It is the 
Lord. Let him do what seemeth him good.' 
Although your loss is inexpressibly great, yet 
you have abundant consolation in the assur- 
ance that the change is unspeakably happy to 
your departed friends. O, how joyful is the 
reflection, that they are now with Jesus, sing- 
ing the wonders of redeeming love! How 



48 MEMOIR OF 

interesting were the last days of our dear 
Fanny ! You were happy indeed in being 
with her, and hearing the heavenly words 
which flowed from her lips. Who could have 
wished her to have continued longer in this 
dark world ? Dear as she was to all who 
knew her, we cannot mourn that she has ob- 
tained that release which she so ardently 
longed for. Dear R. and C, I trust that the 
absence of these dear friends (a mother and 
sister) is made up to you in the presence of 
your Savior. You will soon join them in that 
heavenly world where there is no more sin 
nor sorrow, and where God will wipe away all 
tears from your eyes. 

" Yours, with sisterly affection, 

" Mary Ann.'* 

In writing to another friend, she says, " The 
pure spirit of our Fanny has now found rest in 
the immediate presence of her Savior. Angels 
have welcomed her to the abodes of the 
blessed. With the hosts of the Redeemer she 
sings the ' song of Moses and the Lamb.' 
And shall we mourn her absence from a world 



MUS. M. A. O. CLARK. 49 

like this ? Shall we sorrow because our heav- 
enly Father has so soon taken her to himself? 
No, dear N., I think you will join me in say- 
ing, we will rather rejoice because she is now 
with Jesus. Will you write and tell me fur- 
ther respecting the last hours of our dear 
Fanny, and her dear parent, who has now 
joined her in a better world?" 

To a friend just recovered from illness. 

«« Dear Mrs. C, 

" Mary mentioned that you had been 
afflicted with sickness ; but you have a support 
which will not fail in the greatest extremities. 
Does not the believer derive the highest hap- 
piness from the assurance that ' the Lord 
reigneth ?' All things shall work together for 
good to them that love God. 

"The power of religion was remarkably 
exhibited in the death of Fanny Baker. How 
happy was her exit from this world of sin ! 
How sweetly she slept in Jesus ! Who would 
not wish to possess that religion which sus- 
tained her so wonderfully in her last moments ?" 



50 MEMOIR OF 

To R. E. G. 

" July, 1819. 
" Very dear Friend, 

" How delightful is the solemn still- 
ness of a summer's evening ! How favorable 
to meditation ! While we view the face of 
nature by the mild rays of the moon, while the 
world rests, and her tired inhabitants have 
paused from trouble and turmoil, the recollec- 
tion of absent and beloved friends presses 
sweetly on the mind, and the heart glows with 
rapture, when we think of a bright world 
above, free from the pollutions of sin, where 
those who are joined in heart by the bonds of 
Christian love, will enjoy each other's society 
for ever. Do we not suppose, dear R., that 
some of our friends have already reached that 
world of glory ? Have we a hope that we 
shall hereafter join them in ' ascribing glory 
and honor, blessing and power, unto him that 
sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb ?' If 
this is our hope, what manner of persons ought 
we to be in all holy conversation and godli- 
ness ! Who would not willingly relinquish 
the short and unsatisfying pleasures of this 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 51 

life? Who would not take up the cross and 
follow Jesus, who alone is altogether lovely ; 
who alone can reward his followers with ever- 
lasting peace ? While I ask these questions, I 
am led to lament the inconsistencies of my 
own life, that my affections are still so much 
engaged with the world, and that I do not live 
more devotedly to God. I trust, dear R., that 
you have not to make these complaints. 
Have you joined yourself to the Lord in an 
everlasting covenant? Do you enjoy that 
peace of mind which arises only from the 
sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit ? If 
so, though you will undoubtedly experience 
trials from the wanderings of your own heart, 
yet, your trust being in God, you have a sure 
dependence. He will assist and sustain you. 

" The circumstances you mention respecting 
our departed Fanny, were truly interesting. 
The power of religion was remarkably exem- 
plified in her triumphant death. O, that it 
may be so with us at the close of life ! Hap- 
py will it be for us, if we shall be thus sup- 
ported through the valley of the shadow of 
death. 

5* 



QX MEMOIR OF 

" This evening, I have heard a very ani- 
mating lecture from Mr. P. What an un- 
speakable blessing is an engaged and faithful 
minister, one who feels the worth of the soul ! 
" Your friend, 

" Mary Ann." 

To A. T. O. 

" Your question, * whether 1 am determined 
to live wholly for Jesus ?' I must answer by 
saying that I daily make that resolve ; and, ah ! 
my friend, 1 daily violate it. Every day, 
every hour, I have reason to lament my con- 
formity to the world. In this evil heart, pride 
and selfishness are constantly arising ; and, 
instead of taking the cross and denying myself 
for Christ, 1 often find myself following him 
i afar off.' Notwithstanding this, I sometimes 
think I do love the Savior above every earthly 
object, and feel as though I should never again 
interest myself in the vanities of life." 

Saturday Eve, 

" This sweet evening, I suppose, we may 
feel a confidence of uniting with many of our 
beloved friends in prayer to our heavenly 






MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 53 

Father. Yes, dear Mary, distant as she is 
from her native land, on the ' wide world of 
waters,' joins in the sweet employment, and 
remembers America and her distant friends." 

The following letter will be read with inter- 
est, not only because it shows the feelings of 
the writer on the subject of missions to the 
heathen, but on account of the graphic de- 
scription it contains of a scene which is still 
fresh in the minds of some now living ■. 

To S. K. 
" Dear Friend, 

" On Saturday, I witnessed a most 
solemn, interesting, and affecting scene. At 
Park Street church, a large assembly collected 
to hear the parting address from the missiona- 
ries who are about sailing for Owyhee. Mr. 
Fisk offered the introductory prayer, and, after 
the address by Mr. Thurston, Thomas Hoopoo 
arose and addressed the assembly. His ap- 
pearance was interesting; and it seemed the 
more so, from the recollection that he was the 
countryman and friend of Obookiah. It was 
inexpressibly affecting, to hear him who, a few 



54 MEMOIR OF 

years ago, was in a heathen land, ignorant of 
the way of salvation, < without hope and with- 
out God in the world,' speak to a Christian 
audience on the worth of the soul, the pre- 
ciousness of Christ, and the importance of 
sending the gospel to those nations who had 
so long lived in darkness. Seven of his coun- 
trymen were present. He afterwards address- 
ed them in the Owyheean language. 

" At the close of the exercises, after most of 
the people had dispersed, he conversed with 
his countrymen and others, and, at the request 
of a friend, offered a short prayer. Many 
were in tears. Who could refrain ? I could 
not. This mission seems to excite much in- 
terest. I think there are about twenty at- 
tached to it, and among them four natives. 
Perhaps, dear S., we shall live to hear that 
the inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands have 
* cast their idols to the moles and to the bats.' ' 

Towards the close of the year 1819, Miss 
Odiorne visited Saco, Maine, where she w as 
very useful in the family of a relative. She 
appears to have been pleasantly situated in 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 55 

this family ; and she enjoyed religious privi- 
leges for which she was exceedingly grateful. 
Her letters breathe a spirit of deep and grow- 
ing humility, and strong desires that all her 
dear friends might become the sincere and 
devoted followers of the Lamb. 

Jan., 1820. 
She writes as follows : " As the Christian's 
life is emphatically a life of warfare, I cannot 
suppose you have enjoyed uninterrupted peace; 
but I hope you have not always been obliged 
1 to hang your harp upon the willows.' Dear 
H., how important that we should feel deeply 
the entire depravity of our hearts, and our ina- 
bility to save ourselves. May we each realize 
that we are spiritually ' poor, and blind, and 
miserable.' Surely, no one has more rea- 
son to acknowledge this, than your unworthy 
Mary Ann." 

Saco, Jan. 15, 1820. 
"Dear C 9 

"I have been here nearly five weeks, 

and am pleasantly situated. Opportunities for 

religious instruction are frequent, and I only 



56 MEMOIR OF 

need a heart more weaned from the world, 
and more devoted to the service of God. 
Have you concluded to join the ' Sisters' 
Circle?"' 

Feb. 5. 
"DearS., 

" I sincerely thank you for your last let- 
ter, but was very sorry to hear of your illness. 
These light trials serve to remind us that ' man 
is born to trouble ;' and they ought to make 
us feel that this world is not our home. ' In 
mercy, God forbids us here to taste a long 
continuance of happiness ;' yet, how trifling 
do the afflictions of life appear, if we have a 
treasure in heaven ! You observe, we may 
not meet again until we meet at the bar of the 
Almighty. The thought is a solemn one. 
Oh, may we then meet in Christ to part no 

more ! A veil obscures the future from our 

view ; yet, by the blessed light of revelation, 
our thoughts may pierce this veil, and look 
beyond the tomb. Oh, that we may be pre- 
pared for the awful change from time to eter- 
nity !" 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 57 

The following extract shows that she was 
sometimes troubled with serious doubts as to 
her own spiritual state ; it shows also that 
when they occurred, they led her to strict self- 
examination to ascertain the cause, and to the 
throne of grace for a remedy. For many 
years before her death, she seems not to have 
suffered any painful apprehension respecting 
her interest in Christ. 

" Exeter, May 20, 1820. 
'* Dear A., 

" How wonderfully is the grace of God 
displayed in his pouring out his Spirit upon our 
land. O, that I had a heart attuned to feel 
and speak his praise ! But, dear A., I am in 
an unhappy frame of mind, — blind, dark, stu- 
pid. Do not think these words, of course. 
May I not hope for an interest in your ad- 
dresses to him with whom fervent prayer 
availeth ? Ask that this ungrateful heart and 
stubborn will may be entirely subdued. I 
know^that there is a ' fulness in Christ,' and 
that he is willing to receive all who come unto 
him ; but I am full of unbelief, that worst of 



58 MEMOIR OF 

"Maiden, Aug. 1, 1820. 
" Dear C, 

" I often look back upon the time I spent 
at Exeter, with emotions of pleasure and re- 
gret, — regret that it was not better improved. 
The solemn scenes I witnessed ought to have 
left a deep impression on my mind. Why is 
it, when we see our earthly comforts so frail, 
we are not more careful to lay up treasure in 
heaven ? Is it not because the heart is har- 
dened by sin, that man is thus blind to his best 
interests ? Dear C, I often think of you with 
affection. O, may we not only be united in 
mutual love, but in love to Christ !" 

Nov. 7. 
" I feel myself unworthy to be a member of 
that dear 'Circle,' of which you speak so 
affectionately ; and I can sincerely adopt, as 
my own, the expressions you use in relation to 
it. May this union be permanent, profitable 
here, and ( perfected' in \ the bright world 
above.' " 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 59 

To a friend in a desponding state. 

"Jan. 21, 1821. 
" Dear Friend, 

" Perhaps, since your letter was 

written, you have become more assured of your 
interest in Christ It appears to me you have 
looked too much on the dark side. From 
what I know of your feelings, they seem like 
those of a Christian. Is not that sense of 
entire un worthiness, which you express, an 
evidence that your mind has been enlightened? 
We have no reason to hope for consolation in 
contemplating our own hearts. But if we 
could fix the eye of faith steadily on the atone- 
ment made for sinners, and even the chief of 
sinners, — on him ' who bare our sins in his 
own body on the tree,' how would the burden 
be removed ! O, may we more fully realize 
the sufficiency there is in Christ, and more 
firmly trust in him ! 

" The present is a season of more than 
usual gloom with me. I hope we shall not 
have our portion in this world." 

"Jan. 13, 1821. 
'* My dear Friend, 

" Have you, indeed, been led to view 
6 



60 MEMOIR OF 

yourself a sinner, and, feeling your need of a 
Savior, to trust in him ? Has my dear friend 
found that peace which passeth understanding ; 
and has she been enabled to lean on the Re- 
deemer, and to say, with David, ' whom have I 
in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth 
1 desire beside thee ?' The intelligence that 
the friends we love have set their faces Zion- 
ward, is the most interesting we can have re- 
specting them. 

" If dear A.'s late distressing sickness has 
been the means of turning her heart to heav- 
enly things, I trust she regards it not as an 
affliction, but as an unspeakable blessing. Let 
our hearts praise our heavenly Father. 

" Is it possible that we three, once so united 
in the pursuit of worldly pleasure, shall be 
found walking together in the path of life, and 
finally attain to that ' rest which remains for 
the people of God?' This is implied in the 
hopes we entertain ; may they not prove delu- 
sive. You mention a fear of being deceived. 
We certainly ought not to rest with slight evi- 
dence of our union to Christ. For, when we 
look around us, and see many who once ap- 
peared to love religion, become entirely indif- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 61 

ferent to its requirements, have we not reason - 
to suppose there is danger of self-deception ? 
It is no small thing to be a Christian, a child 
of God, an heir of eternal glory. How im- 
portant, my beloved friend, that we should be 
assiduous in examining the foundation of our 
hopes, and constant and earnest in our peti- 
tions that God will not suffer us to deceive 
ourselves. 

" If our hearts have been renewed, we shall, 
undoubtedly, experience many severe trials in 
subduing these remaining corruptions. I be- 
lieve Christians usually meet with more dis- 
tress in this than in any other way. Prone as 
the heart is to sin, departure from God is easy, 
and, without watchfulness and prayer, we 
know it will be certain. I hope, dear A., it 
will not only be our desire to be Christ's, but 
to be like him." 

" March 27, 1821. 

" I have lately thought more than ever of 

making a profession of religion, and suppose 

that I shall soon. O, may I have correct 

views on this subject, right views of the Savior, 



62 



MEMOIR OF 



and of the ordinance instituted by, and in 
memory of, him !" 

May 16, 1821. 

" The death of Mr. B. was indeed 



affecting. ' What is our life ? It is even a 
vapor, which appeareth for a little season, and 
then vanisheth away.' To-day, we may be 
in the full enjoyment of health and all the 
good things of this life ; — to-morrow, called to 
give up an account of our improvement of 
them. It is certainly a melancholy proof of 
the hardness of our hearts, that such instances 
of sudden death do not more deeply affect us. 
How awful the thought, to be without hope in 
the last gloomy hour, — without an interest in 
him whose righteousness alone can avert the 
wrath of an offended God ! O, for a disposi- 
tion to live in constant preparation for eternity ! 
This can come only from above." 

Avg. 4, 1821. 

" Earthly friendships, like every earthly en- 
joyment, is uncertain. But, among those w ho 
are one in Christ, there seems to exist a union 
of feeling which will be permanent, — a union 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 63 

which cannot be found among the votaries of 
this world. And how shall we know whether 
we are of the happy number, except by exam- 
ining ourselves, to see if our attachment is 
strongest to those who bear most of the image 
of Christ?" 

Aug. 21, 1821. 
"Dear Miss H., 

" It is with emotions of sincere respect 
and affection, that I address one whom I so 
highly esteem ; — emotions which ever accom- 
pany the remembrance of my beloved instruct- 
ress. I now often fancy her surrounded by 
youth, imparting instruction best adapted to 
enlighten the mind. I think of her on her 
way to the Academy in the morning ; and, 
after having fulfilled her duties, returning at 
evening with a frame languid and weakened, 
but with a mind ever active in promoting the 
good of others. 

Thus fancy paints her : 
And, though apt to err, 
Perhaps errs little, 
When she paints her thus. 

6* 



64 MEMOIR OF 

Often does memory recur to the happy hours 
I have spent in her presence, when her exam- 
ple and instructions have inspired me with 
desires to acquire useful knowledge, to live a 
godly life, and to be an instrument of good to 
those around me. Those were some of the 
happiest hours of my life. 1 still realize their 
salutary influence, although with much reason 
to lament my misimprovement of them." 

# # * # 

" I do love the works of nature — the mild 
light of the moon — the glorious beams of the 
setting sun. You have sometimes expressed a 
wish to know my enjoyments. This is one of 
them : I love ' to trace the forest's shady 
scene,' to view the lofty trees, the various 
plants and flowers which ask no human cul- 
ture, and to see innumerable insects, all alike 
displaying the workmanship of Him who made 
them. How often and how forcibly do Mil- 
ton's beautiful lines occur to my mind ! 
• These are thy glorious works, Parent of good!' 

With the volume of nature and inspiration 
both open before us, how truly valuable are 
our sources of information !" 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 65 

Sept. 13, 1821. 
"DearS., 

" How destructive to piety is a worldly 
spirit, — totally opposed to the spirit of Christ ! 
How true the observation, that ' the frowns of 
the world are far less dangerous than its 
smiles !' I often find myself forming plans 
and indulging hopes which are illusive, and 
yet it has been and still is my desire, that I 
may never find that satisfaction in any of God's 
gifts which will lead me away from the giver. 
" I wish you would give me your sentiments 
as to the manner in which the Christian should 
associate with the irreligious, and how far he 
may, with propriety, join in the conversation 
of the world. You know something of the 
unprofitableness of common conversation among 
numbers who are considered amiable, intelli- 
gent, and even religious. To those who are 
constantly in the habit of hearing it, I fear it 
becomes less disgusting. How often, in socie- 
ty, especially female society, will the most 
frivolous conversation be continued hour after 
hour, with, perhaps, hardly an observation 
worthy of being repeated ! and yet, < for every 



66 MEMOIR OF 

idle word,' we must give account at the judg- 
ment." 

Oct. 2, 1821. 
" Dear Sister, 

" Much have I thought of you since 

the decease of your father. His sickness and 

death must have been inexpressibly painful to 

you ; but you mourn not as ' those who have 

no hope ;' and I trust you possess a peace of 

mind of which no trial can deprive you. The 

union of those we love, after all their trials on 

earth, with the spirits of the just in heaven, 

should be to us a subject of joy. But the 

dark valley of death will always be dreadful. 

When the mortal remains of a dear friend are 

deposited in the grave, and the bitter reflection 

comes up. ' we shall see his face no more,' 

nature will shrink. How happy are those 

who, in such a season as you have passed, can 

not only bow submissively, but love and bless 

the hand that afflicts, saying, ' he doeth all 

things well !' " 

Dec. 5, 1821. 
« My dearS., 

" I attended a very interesting monthly 

prayer meeting at Park Street. The last letter 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 61 

received from Mr. Newell, addressed to Dr. 
Worcester, was read. Mr. Evarts observed 
that it was an affecting consideration, that both 
the writer of the letter and the one to whom it 
was addressed were removed about the same 
time. 

" The letter gave an account of the last 
sickness and death of Mrs. Poor. She was ill 
about ten days. She was exceedingly happy 
in the prospect of death ; and Mr. Poor wrote 
to his brother, that he had been so absorbed in 
joy and gratitude at the manner of her depart- 
ure, that he had not then fully realized the 
bitterness of his misfortune. She, as well as 
Mr. Newell, must be a great loss to the mis- 
sion. But he who put it into their hearts 'to 
cross tempestuous seas, cheerfully forsaking 
kindred, country, friends and ease,' can and 
will raise up others to supply their places." 



CHAPTER [V 

Extracts from her Journal. 

It is probable that Mary Ann kept a private 
journal of her feelings, from the time of her 
residence at Bradford. Most of her papers, 
however, were destroyed when she left Massa- 
chusetts. A few fragments remain, from which 
some extracts will be given. 

During almost the whole of the year 1821, 
she was in a state of spiritual darkness ; her 
mind was disturbed with perplexing doubts ; 
her heart was pained with the iniquity which 
prevailed about her; and her feelings some- 
times found utterance in bitter lamentations. 

Feb. 10, 1821. 
" Have experienced much doubt and dis- 
tress, of late. I think, however, this gloom 
which I so often feel, may be partly constitu- 
tional. I hope I shall not rest short of Christ." 



MEMOIR OF MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 69 

March 4. 

" I am distressed for myself, for my family, 
for this town. O, that the Lord may not visit 
us according to our sins, but according to his 
great mercy. When I see the Sabbath neg- 
lected, or spent in employments totally op- 
posed to the nature of that holy day ; when 
my own thoughts are wandering on forbidden 
objects, while they ought to be aspiring after 
communion with, and entirely engrossed in 
love and thankfulness to God ; when I see 
errors prevail, and those who profess to be 
followers of Christ walking after their own 
lusts, or neglecting the performance of Chris- 
tian duties, thereby causing reproach to fall on 
the cause of the Redeemer ; when I see these 
things, and many more, what shall I say ? 
Lord, leave us not to ourselves ; but where ini- 
quity abounds, may grace much more abound. 

" O, that I could have a constant sense of 
the fulness there is in Jesus Christ, and un- 
feigned contrition for sin. 

< Strike, mighty grace, my flinty heart, 
Till melting waters flow, 
And deep repentance drown my eyes 
In undis3embled wo.' " 



70 MEMOIR OF 

Fast day, April 5. 

" This day is set apart for fasting and prayer. 
The time seems short since the last day of this 
kind. I do not see that I have grown in 
grace. I am, apparently, as stupid as I was 
then. I have seen some seasons when I 
thought I felt the power of divine grace ; but, 
ah ! how few ! Oh, how I have wandered 
and loved to wander ! How changeable, how 
deceitful, is this corrupt heart ! Oh, for a 
deliverance from the selfish feelings which pre- 
dominate in my mind ! In looking forward to 
another year, how uncertain does every thing 
appear ! May I be prepared for every event 
that awaits me in the providence of God !" 

May 8. 

" My friends have this day left home, and I 
have now sufficient opportunity for self-exami- 
nation. I hardly dare look within. It is all 
' evil, and that continually.' My heart is all 
wretchedness. No enjoyment in prayer, — 
every reason to fear that I am destitute of 
grace. 

" How uncertain and Meeting are the things 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 71 

of time ! and yet my heart rests upon them as 
though they were durable. 

May 13. 

" I have had many distressing inward con- 
flicts. O, for a heart to overcome and choose 
Christ for my everlasting portion. 

"My mind is filled with anguish. I see 
nothing before me but gloom ; but it is all 
owing to myself — my own stubborn will. O, 
that he who searcheth the heart, who knoweth 
all my sinfulness, might bring me to bow in all 
things to his holy will." 

On the next Sabbath, her feelings were of a 
less distressing character. She writes, May 
21, — "Somewhat awakened ; more willing to 
give up all for Christ ; more heart to seek with 
earnestness the grace of God." 

June 6. 
" Estranged from him whom it ought to be 
my happiness to love and serve. O, how 
dreadful are the effects of sin ! Have, of late, 
seen many moments of extreme gloom, but, at 
times, have felt a desire to be entirely con- 
7 



72 MEMOIR OF 

formed to the will of God. Have seemed to 
possess a spirit of prayer, and frequent desires 
to be kept from temptation. 

"The face of nature looks lovely, but this 
cold heart does not glow with corresponding 
emotions of gratitude to the Creator of all 
these glorious objects. Ah, my wicked heart, 
where will you lead me ? Inevitably down to 
the gates of eternal death, unless almighty 
grace prevent me. 

'O thou who hear'stwhen sinners cry, 
Though all my crimes before thee lie, 
Behold them not with angry look, 
But blot their mem'ry from thy book. 

Create my nature pure within, 
And form my soul averse from sin; 
Let thy good Spirit ne'er depart, 
But write thy law upon my heart.' " 

June 10. 
" It seems to me that my life will be short, 
and that I shall not live to see old age. Have 
been reading the life of Spencer. O for that 
devotion of spirit which characterized that 
youthful, yet eminent servant of the Lord !" 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 73 

Sabbath, June 24. 
" We have all been preserved another week, 
and have been permitted to open our eyes on 
another beautiful Sabbath morning. How- 
sweet to the Christian, whose heart is right 
with God, must be the reflection, that, after a 
few more earthly Sabbaths, he shall safely 
reach the haven of eternal rest. Ah, when a 
few more weeks, or months, or, at most, years, 
have elapsed, we, who are now so busily en- 
gaged in the pursuit of temporal good, shall all 
have passed the Jordan of death, and our eter- 
nal state be for ever fixed. I have been read- 
ing a paper recommending, to all Christians, 
united prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit. 
I wish I had a heart to join with fervency in 
this union. O ! to look around and see the 
indifference which prevails, even among those 
who profess to love religion ! It is enough to 
make those mourn who have any feeling, and 
to excite a spirit of prayer." 

Sabbath Eve, July 29. 
" Have realized a little more than usual ; 
but worldly desires and trifling thoughts have 



74 MEMOIR OF 

occupied my mind some part of this sacred 
day. O, when will the time arrive, that the 
petty disappointments and trials I experience, 
shall cease to distress my mind, and in Jesus 
centre my affections and desires? O, how 
ungrateful I am, — how do I forget the mercies 
I receive at the hands of God, and dwell on 
the troubles I experience ! the latter, how few, 
compared with the former ! Although I have 
but few causes for discontent in temporal 
things, my soul is often filled with anguish ; 
and when I look for the cause, I generally 
find it in a departure from Him who is the 
source of all true comfort. Yes, it is when I 
hope for happiness from the objects of this 
world, — it is when I 'lean on an arm of flesh/ 
that the bitterest disappointments are my lot. 
I have prayed that I might never find that 
happiness in this world's good things, which 
would prevent me from seeking after that 
which cometh from above ; and I do still 
make this request. Indeed, I have learned to 
expect disappointment in every anticipation of 
earthly pleasure ; and it is well that I should ; 
for 'trifles light as air' draw my mind from re- 
ligion. 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 75 

" Have this eve been permitted to say a few 
words to my dear brother H., on the impor- 
tance of keeping the Sabbath, and attending to 
the concerns of his soul. O, I did feel that I 
could have plead hours with him, — could have 
entreated him, with tears, to 'flee from the 
wrath to come.' Oh ! Oh ! I cannot bear to 
see those I love going on in ignorance and ir- 
religion, choosing the pleasures of sin, and the 
misery of the world of wo, rather than the en- 
joyment of God's favor. But, ah ! how little 
do I live before them as one who feels the 
importance of these things ! How little does 
my life and conversation testify to the excel- 
lence of wisdom's ways ! O that I might 
henceforth be more faithful, more prayerful, 
more decided, in serving the Lord. 

" Have spent part of the day in perusing 
Mrs. Newell's letters. O for that spirit which 
enabled her to leave kindred, country, and 
friends, for Christ's sake 1" 

Aug. 26. 
" Heard the Rev. Mr. C. from these words : 
' My people is destroyed for lack of knowl- 

7# 



76 MEMOIR OF 

edge.' I think I feel an enjoyment in hearing 
good preaching, which I do in nothing else. 
But I do not rely on this as an evidence of 
grace, because it may, very possibly, arise 
from unholy motives." 

Sept. 3. 
"I will now resolve, that, henceforth, 1 will 
be more reserved, more modest in expressing 
my own ideas, more attentive to those of 
others ; — that I will endeavor to cultivate a 
deep sense of my ignorance, weakness, and 
unworthiness, — will make it. a subject of 
prayer ; that pride and self-conceit may be 
subdued, and that the grace of God may over- 
come the selfish spirit which so prevails in my 
heart." 

Sept. 9. 
"This day, I have received a visit from a 
beloved friend, after a separation of three 
years. Sickness has taken the bloom from her 
countenance, but it seems to have drawn her 
nearer to God. It seems probable we have 
met for the last time. O that I may be pre- 
pared to meet her in heaven ! 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 77 

" O, how I long for more stability of mind ; 
more fixedness in the service of God ! I some- 
times have occasion to weep, as I have this 
day, on account of peculiar trials : but I do 
hope it will be ordered for my good, — tend to 
make me more humble ; for I do need the 
grace of humility ; and I will now apply for it 
to Him from whom cometh every good and 
perfect gift." 

Oct 11. 
" Yesterday, walked to Boston. Heard 
Mr. Wisner. Rom. vii, 13, last clause. O, I 
wish I could constantly realize the evil of 
transgression against the great and holy Jeho- 
vah. In order to this, I must strive to get 
proper views of his character, and of my infi- 
nite obligations to love him with all the heart. 
' Is it not reasonable,' said Mr. W., e that love 
should correspond with love? — that while one 
descends in benefits, the other should ascend 
in gratitude ?' O, it is reasonable ; and 1 hope 
I shall be able to centre my affections on 
Him in whom I live and move and have my 
being." 



78 MEMOIR OF 

Oct. 28. 

"My mind, this morning, 1 think, is more 
solemn than usual. 1 have been enabled to 
pray with more fervency for a ' clean heart' 
and a ' right spirit.' My sins rise before me 
as mountains, separating me from every thing 
good. My life appears like a continued course 
of disobedience ; but the blood of Christ is 
sufficient to cleanse from all sin, and it is only 
a broken and a contrite heart which I need. 
If I mistake not, I feel a disposition to banish 
the world entirely from my mind." 

JVov. 18. 

" This day, have heard two good sermons 
from Dr. B. Ex. xxxii, 26. He requested 
each one present to apply to themselves the 
question, ' Am I on the Lord's side ?' How 
important is that question, and how important 
that it should be decided now ! With what 
power will that solemn question, — ' was I on 
the Lord's side ?' — force itself on our minds in 
that hour when all who sleep in the dust shall 
awake and come forth ! 

"Last evening, I received an interesting 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 79 

letter from dear N., in which she informs me 
that R. is about joining the church. I am 
glad to hear it, and hope she will adorn her 
profession. O, that I could now feel prepared, 
and had a favorable opportunity to comply 
with the same duty!" 

Jan. 22, 1822. 

"'The world passeth away.' Another 
year has passed rapidly away. So much less 
remains of the period allotted to me on earth. 
God has been very merciful to us. Our num- 
ber, as a family, remains undiminished ; our 
temporal comforts are continued, and sickness 
has not entered our dwelling. Our Father in 
heaven has been merciful. But what have I 
to record on our part, but ingratitude ? Alas ! 
our spiritual state remains the same. We 
seem to live as though this world did not pass 
away. We fix our affections on the things of 
this world, and not on things above. May 
the year on which we have entered, witness 
us attending diligently to the things which 
belong to our peace. 

" Spent the last Sabbath in Boston. Eve 



80 MEMOIR OF 

fling, — I was gratified by hearing Mr. Temple, 
who is about to sail as a missionary for West- 
ern Asia. An interesting sermon. ' Christ is 
all, and in all.' 1. He is all and in all in the 
kingdom of nature. 2. In the kingdom of 
grace. 3. In the kingdom of glory. Mr. T. 
has the appearance of one, and, I presume, is 
one in reality, to whom ' Christ is all and in 
all.' Blessed are those who have this Savior 
for their portion, and the c mansions' in his 
' Father's house' for their home." 

Feb. 17. 
" If I mistake not, I have felt, for two weeks 
past, more solemn than usual, and a stronger 
desire to profess the religion of Christ. O, for 
divine grace to establish this wavering, unbe- 
lieving heart in faith, that I may not be turned 
aside by every wind of doctrine — by every 
temptation." 

Feb. 24. 

" It appears to me that I have been enabled, 

of late, to turn from the world, and to find 

unusual consolation in looking unto him who 

will never fail those who put their trust in 



MRS. M. A. 0. CLARK. 81 

him. O, how bitter would be my feelings, if 
I had no hope but in myself and the perishable 
objects around me ! 

" May God, in infinite mercy, visit this fam- 
ily ; may it become a house of prayer — a 
place where His name shall be known and 
loved." 

■April 4. Fast day. 
" In looking back on the three last anniver- 
saries, I can very nearly recollect my situation 
and feelings. The last year has brought but 
few changes. I think my heart is not quite as 
much engrossed with the things of this world 
as it was at the last anniversary. I hope I 
shall be able to live for eternity, and not only 
profess the name of Christ before men, before 
another year passes away, but have a heart to 
follow him, not ' afar off.' " 

May 5. 
" Last evening, I think I came to something 
like a resolution to forsake all for Christ, and 
to seek earnestly for grace to enable me so to 
do. I believe I then had some spiritual enjoy- 
ment — some meltings of heart — -some views of 



82 MEMOIR OF MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 

the blessedness of religion. I have felt unusu- 
ally solemn this day ; and, although my own 
strength is perfect weakness, yet I think I can 
trust in God, believing that he will enable me 
to serve him. I have no hope but in his 
mercy. I have now nearly decided respecting 
a profession of religion. 

June 20. 

" How great the changes which a few weeks 
will bring in this changing, dying world. 
Since I last wrote in my journal, I have lost a 
near friend, — I may say, two friends ; one 
from the midst of us, the other more distant. 
The deaths of Mrs. C. and Mrs. S. I feel 
ought to have been better improved. I do 
now realize that earthly good is unsatisfying — 
that death may be very near. 

"Perhaps this is the last Sabbath I shall 
spend on earth. Perhaps I shall not even 
have the opportunity of making a public pro- 
fession of religion. O, then let me improve 
the day. May God, in his infinite mercy, 
grant that Christ may be my portion, that, 
whether living or dying, I may be the Lord's." 



CHAPTER V. 

Residence in Boston; — Her Public Consecration to 
Christ ; — Extracts from her Journal ; — Letters. 

After the death of the relative alluded to 
in the preceding chapter, Miss Odiorne re- 
mained some years in the family, superintend- 
ing its concerns, and directing the education 
of the children. In this employment, she 
found ample opportunities for the exercise of 
her benevolent feelings ; and, while conferring 
important benefits upon others, was herself rap- 
idly acquiring the qualifications needful to pre- 
pare her for the responsible station she was 
afterwards to occupy. Her religious privileges 
were precisely adapted to her necessities. 
Under the ministry of the Rev. S. E. Dwight, 
she learned not only the doctrines, but the 
duties of Christianity. She was a member of 
the first Bible class established in the city; 



84 MEMOIR OF 

and the earnest appeals of its conductors, the 
Rev. Messrs. Dwight and Wilbur, to the con- 
science, were no less useful, by impressing upon 
her mind the importance of Christian action, 
than were their lucid exhibitions of truth in 
confirming her faith. 

At this period, she was connected with a 
society of ladies, associated for the purpose of 
exploring the various wards of the city, sup- 
plying the destitute with Bibles, persuading 
parents to send their children to the Sabbath 
school, and conversing, as opportunities pre- 
sented, upon the great concerns of the soul. 
Delightful employment ! Eternity alone will 
reveal the good accomplished by these sisters 
of charity, in their visits of mercy to the de- 
graded and destitute population of our great 
cities. 

Although Miss Odiorne had, for nearly four 
years, indulged a hope of a personal interest in 
the Savior, and was evidently a growing Chris- 
tian, yet, up to this period, she had not pub- 
licly entered into covenant with God. The 
state of the church at M. was such as she ex- 
ceedingly deplored ; and she waited, from 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 85 

month to month, for some salutary change. 
Perhaps, in this, she erred. We are not re- 
sponsible for errors in the church which are 
beyond our control ; nor does it become us to 
shrink from the performance of our own per- 
sonal duties, because other disciples fail to act 
in accordance with their covenant vows. 
" Do this in remembrance of me," is an au- 
thoritative command, which cannot safely be 
neglected. 

Reader, if you are indulging a hope of par- 
doning mercy through a crucified Redeemer, 
and have not united yourself to his visible 
people, are you acting in accordance with the 
dictates of an enlightened conscience ? You 
are desirous of sharing the blessings of a true 
disciple. Why, then, will you shrink from his 
responsibilities? Take time to review the 
foundations of your hope, and to ascertain the 
governing purposes of your heart: this done, 
renounce that hope, or decide to comply with 
every known command of the Savior. 

In view of her public consecration to God, 
Miss Odiorne writes in her journal as follows : 



86 MEMOIR OF 

July 7. Evening. 

"I have now made a public profession of 
faith in Christ ; — have this day promised, in 
the presence of God, angels, and men, with 
the help of God's Spirit, to spend the rest of 
my life in his service. May that Spirit dwell 
in me ; and, O that the short time which, at 
longest, I must spend on earth, may be spent 
to the glory of God ! I now stand in a more 
responsible situation than ever. O that I may 
never, never bring reproach on that blessed 
cause which I have professed to espouse t 
Shall I be numbered among those who say 
unto him, 'Lord, Lord,' and yet do not the 
things he has commanded ? God forbid 1 

" Dear Savior, let thy beauties be 
My soul's eternal food; 
And grace commaud my heart away 
From all created good." 

In a letter to a friend, written a few days 
after, she says, — "My mind was solemn. I 
felt a gleam of comfort, if not that settled 
peace that some enjoy. Pray that I may 
never, never injure the cause which I have 
professed to love." 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 87 

EXTRACTS FROM HER JOURNAL. 

Sabbath, Aug. 4. 
u Since I last wrote, God's mercy towards 
me has been continued. Have spent my time 
quietly in this family, receiving the kindnesses 
which are adapted to make me feel at home, 
— favors for which I hope ever to be grateful ; 
but may I be especially grateful to the Giver 
of ' every good and perfect gift.' " 

Sept. 1. 
" This morning, I was permitted, the second 
time, to commemorate the Savior's dying love 
at his table. If not deceived, it was a solemn 
season to me ; and yet I feel that it is almost 
impossible for one so vain and foolish as I am 

to be a Christian." 

Sept. 7. 
" Surely, the objects of this world, on which 
I am prone to lean so fondly, are no better 
than broken reeds, constantly failing me ; why, 
then, any longer trust in them ? O, for a heart 
to place my warmest affections on the Savior. 
There alone is a firm foundation. I am ready 
to despise myself, — 1 do despise myself, when 
I look into this wretched heart. O, that sin 
8* 



Oft MEMOIR OF 

which doth so easily beset me ; — why have I 
not strength to guard against it ? Because I 
do not seek strength from God with sufficient, 
earnestness. Lord, I know thy grace is suffi- 
cient. I do beseech thee, bestow it upon me." 

Oct. 7. 
" This is communion Sabbath ; but my heart 
is not prepared as it ought to be. It is too 
much bent upon the things of the world. O, for 
deep contrition, in view of my exceeding sin- 
fulness ; — for such views of the Redeemer's 
character, and my own unbelief, as will bring 
me to the dust. I can truly call myself the 
' chief of sinners.' Yet I have not those melt- 
ing views, that self-abasement, which I ought. 
May God have mercy upon me." 

Oct 28. 
" I have seldom or never heard two more 
faithful and interesting sermons than I yester- 
day heard from Mr. Dwight. The forenoon 
one was founded on the words of Daniel, ix, 3. 
Subject, — The importance of secret fasting and 
prayer. 1. The design; 2. The occasions; 
3. The manner in which it should be perform- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 89 

ed, the motives to it, and the benefits resulting 
from a thorough performance of this duty. As 
to the manner of performance, he observed, 
we must set apart a season sufficiently long 
beforehand, to enable us to prepare for it; we 
must remember this anticipated season in our 
prayers ; we must cherish a spirit of solemnity 
and humility. When the time arrives (the 
length of it ought to be regulated by our cir- 
cumstances), we must let nothing but absolute 
necessity prevent our attendance to it; and if 
set apart in a proper manner, he observed, we 
should seldom find ourselves necessarily pre- 
vented. We should commence the exercises 
by imploring divine assistance, and not rest 
until we obtain a humble and contrite spirit. 
We should then lay all our sins before God, 
endeavor to recollect them separately, and 
dwell on them until we are humbled in the 
dust ; then carry them all before Him, entreat 
Him to wash them away in the blood of the 
Lamb, and-, as he has completely manifested 
his displeasure toward them in Ms death, to 
remember them no more against us. We 
should not, he said, rest until we feel in our 



90 MEMOIR OF 

own souls a sweet sense of forgiveness, and 
then we must renew our covenant with God, 
to take Him for our Portion, and be his for 
ever. He observed that this duty, faithfully 
performed, would not fail to discover to us our 
real characters." 

On a careful inspection of the preceding 
extracts, it is very manifest that an individual 
may be rapidly growing in grace, and yet so 
borne down with a sense of imperfection, as 
scarcely to be conscious of spiritual life. 

The establishment of the Bible class in Park 
Street church, was followed with a powerful 
revival. Miss Odiorne took a deep interest in 
the meetings, and rejoiced in the success of 
the means of grace. Her conversation with 
the anxious among her acquaintance, and her 
letters to her impenitent correspondents, were 
very useful ; and yet, strange as it may seem, 
her own heart was desolate. To such trials, 
the children of God are often subjected in this 
world. In a conversation with the Rev. Mr. 
Dwight, soon after the commencement of the 
revival, she made known to him her state of 



MRS. M. A. O. CL.ARK. 91 

mind. He lent her his sermon, then but re- 
cently preached, as noticed in her journal 
above, on the subject of secret fasting. This 
sermon was quite useful to her. 

She occasionally, for two or three years, 
suffered mental depression in reference to her 
spiritual state. Afterwards, it is believed, she 
uniformly enjoyed a comfortable hope of a 
saving interest in the Redeemer. 

Some extracts from her journal and letters 
will show the progress of the revival in Boston, 
the means which were blessed in advancing it, 
and the deep interest the subject of this me- 
moir felt in every thing which related to it. 

Bee. 25, 1822. 
" There appears to be an increasing atten- 
tion to religion, in Mr. Dwight's society. He 
has been visited by many who wished to con- 
verse respecting the welfare of their souls." 

" Jan. 30, 1823. 
" My beloved Friend, 

" If you were now here, I know you 

would enjoy the delightful scenes with which 

we are now favored. Last evening was the 



92 MEMOIR OF 

meeting of our biblical association. The 
number of its members is now about two hun- 
dred. In this association, the seriousness com- 
menced. Many of its members are now in- 
dulging hope. You can hardly imagine how 
interesting and solemn Mr. Dwight's observa- 
tions have been at these meetings. They 
have been made without the formality of a 
public address, but with all the ease and fa- 
miliarity of social converse ; and have been 
peculiarly adapted to secure attention and 
promote improvement. 

"Dr. Payson was sent for to assist in ad- 
vancing this work. He came, and, after two 
or three times fixing the attention of a numer- 
ous audience, by his remarkably impressive 
discourses, he was attacked with bleeding at 
the lungs, and is now confined to his chamber. 
He will, probably, preach no more at present, 
either here or to his own people. Thus, God 
is pleased to lay aside one instrument which 
seemed peculiarly adapted to promote his work 
of grace in this city." 

To another friend, she writes, — " You have, 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 93 

undoubtedly, heard some particulars relative 
to the revival in Boston. It has gladdened 
your heart, as it must the hearts of all who 
pray for the prosperity of Zion. The revival 
appears to be in a progressive state, — inquiry 
meetings are frequent and fully attended. I 
know not the number who have entertained 
hopes, but it is considerable. I have, several 
times, been in company with a number of 
young ladies, subjects of the work, who appear 
to have their hearts turned to the Lord. 

" There is, likewise, a remarkable attention 
at Andover. The scholars in the academy 
are generally serious." 

Feb. 11. 
" You have heard much of the grace with 
which God is now visiting this city; and, 
without doubt, have united with all who love 
Zion, in rejoicing and praying for the continu- 
ance and extension of this blessed work. It 
does extend. I am told that new instances of 
conviction occur daily, and some, too, where 
the subjects have not been accustomed to hear 
' sound doctrine.' 



94 MEMOIR OF 

" Ask our dear F. if she can imagine M. O. 
engaged in promoting a revival. There is, at 
present, a great change in her. She appears 
to delight as much in the duties of religion, as 
she formerly hated them. Let me request 
your prayers that she may continue a faithful 
follower of the Lamb, and that my brother T., 
who now appears anxious, may be brought to 
submit to the Savior. I very much fear that I 
have not that devout and humble frame of 
mind which I ought to possess in order to 
receive and improve this great blessing. Pray 
for me, that I may be enabled to exercise that 
deep contrition which God will not despise." 

Feb. 12. 
"I have been reading Edwards's Resolu- 
tions, and his account of his experience. O, 
how desirable, and how entirely opposed to 
the dispositions of the natural heart, is that 
complete subjection of self to which he was 
brought ! How desirable, to have every 
thought brought ' into captivity to the obe- 
dience of Christ !' " 

March 8. 
"I have been out this morning, and am told 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 95 

that the revival appears to extend. Two 
meetings have recently been established, 
which, I should think, would be very useful ; 
one for men of business — married men, and 
another for married ladies. It is believed that 
the Holy Spirit is operating extensively in a 
silent but effectual manner. Many Christians 
are united in earnest prayer and effort for the 
salvation of those around them. Many good 
ministers come as laborers ; and the necessity 
for exertion is so great, that many get exhaust- 
ed. Mr. H., of P., is now here, — a good 
preacher, — who has recently had a revival 
among his own people. On an average, there 
are about two meetings a day in Park Street 
society. Mr. D. is exceedingly animated and 
heavenly in his conversation. He mentioned, 
in a visit to us lately, this encouraging circum- 
stance, that a meeting has been established at 
the north part of the city, conducted by Dea. 
P., a very devoted Christian, and others. 

" Mr. Green is to preach, next Sabbath, at 
Essex Street, and to be installed on Wednes- 
day following. Great expectations are enter- 
tained of his usefulness here. Is it not a bless- 
9 



96 



MEMOIR OF 



ing to have such a man come at such a time ? 
But his people at Reading are much to be 
pitied. They cannot be reconciled to lose 
him." 

April 15. 

" About three hundred in Park Street, one 
hundred at Charlestown, and many at Old 
South, and Essex Street, are subjects of this 
work : that is, either give evidence of piety, or 
are anxiously inquiring the way of salvation. 

"Last Sabbath, heard Dr. B. preach. He 
mentioned a variety of excuses which persons 
make to justify themselves in remaining im- 
penitent. He observed, that the state of mind 
in which persons satisfy themselves with the 
thought that they can do nothing, but must 
remain in sin till God is pleased to change 
their hearts, is almost the most stupifying and 
dangerous error that can be indulged. God's 
time is now. Now, ' he commands all men 
every where to repent.' " 

April 20. 
" Heard Dr. B. from the words, ' Seek ye 
the Lord while he may be found.' During 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 97 

the sermon, he said that, in the course of his 
experience, he had observed that, among those 
who commenced attention to the concerns of 
their souls with a determination that their sal- 
vation should be their first [object, very few 
remained without evidence of an interest in 
Christ. But, of those who made feeble exer- 
tions, and only now and then gave their atten- 
tion, very few obtained such evidence. ' Strive 
to enter in at the straight gate ; for many shall 
seek to enter, and shall not be able.' I have, 
in this view of the subject, thought much of 
my dear C. I speak with diffidence, feeling 
sensibly my own remissness and deficiency. I 
have thought of her often, and it has seemed 
to me that, if my dear relative would seek the 
Savior as earnestly as she has sought the re- 
covery of her hearing, she would find him an 
all-sufficient portion. Apply to the Physician 
of souls with desires and expectations equal to 
those with which you have made application 
to earthly physicians, and I believe you would 
have no occasion to complain of spiritual blind- 
ness." 



98 MEMOIR OF 

June 18. 

" Mr. Dwight observed, last Sabbath, with 
respect to the revival, that he had not seen 
more encouragement, at any time, than the 
last week. 

" I am reading the life of Brainerd. O, 
how I do wish that I possessed his views and 
feelings ! Will you pray for me, dear N. ; — 
pray for me as a miserable sinner, desiring to 
behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus 
Christ?" 

Sept. 7. 
" I wish you could have witnessed the im- 
pressive scene which I have been permitted to 
see this day : forty-five persons presenting 
themselves, and publicly covenanting ' to live 
no longer to themselves,' but to him that died 
and rose again. The obligations connected 
with this solemn covenant seem almost over- 
whelming. How utterly unable are we, of 
ourselves, to fulfil them ! If we look only at 
our own weakness, and forget that ' His grace 
is sufficient,' we must surely despair. The 
same grace that implants the seed of holiness 
in the sinful heart of man, must cause it to 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 99 

spring up and bring forth fruit, or it will re- 
main wholly unproductive. 

" I am told that appearances of attention, in 
the city, continue quite encouraging, notwith- 
standing the lack of laborers. Mr. Dwight 
has been absent, on account of ill health, more 
than two months. Mr. Wisner has just re- 
turned. Messrs. Fay and Green are both 
absent. They had all become worn down 
with their arduous labors, and were under the 
necessity of travelling, to recruit their strength." 

Oct., 1823. 
"DearN., 

" I have been reading over some of your 
letters, which has led me to reflect on my in- 
gratitude in not making a more faithful return. 
Short as the time seems, it is more than five 
years since our acquaintance commenced. 
Since the summer of 1818, we have met but 
seldom ; but I have much reason to be grateful 
for your constant friendship and affectionate 
letters. Attachments formed at school are 
frequently worn off by difference of situation 
and pursuits. This, I trust, is not the case 
9* 



100 MEMOIR OF 

with ours ; and I would be thankful that I 
may consider your dear family as friends. 

" Your cousin C. made me a little visit re- 
cently, which pleased me much. I wish I 
had opportunities of becoming more intimately 
acquainted with one so interesting and amiable ! 
Still, it seems hardly worth while to multiply 
bonds of attachment, in such a world as this ; 
unless, indeed, our view is extended to the 
period when friendships on Christian principles 
will be perfected in the heavenly world, ' where 
all the air is love,' — holy love too, — free from 
those selfish affections which pollute the mind 
here. How pure the enjoyments of that bless- 
ed stale ! If we are ever admitted, we shall 
love others as ourselves — love all in proportion 
to their conformity to the image of the Eternal." 

Oct, 1823. 
" Your reflections on prayer were interest- 
ing. How blissful that union which exists 
between the true worshipers of God in every 
part of the world ! How precious the privilege 
they enjoy, in being permitted, though in dif- 
ferent and distant situations, to meet at the 
throne of heavenly grace !" 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 101 
EXTRACTS FROM HER JOURNAL. 

Boston, April 6, 1823. 
" On looking at my former writings, of this 
nature, I find Oct. to be the last date. 1 think 
I ought not to have neglected my journal thus 
long. I have, in the interval, had but little of 
a pleasing nature respecting myself, but an 
abundance which I might have recorded rela- 
tive to the interesting state of religion around 
me. Since the commencement of the revival 
in Boston, my mind has been fluctuating — 
sometimes seeking, sometimes, apparently for 
a short time, striving for the enlightening of 
God's Spirit, and sometimes exhibiting my folly 
and wickedness by letting concerns of a world- 
ly nature have the predominance. When I 
reflect on the inestimable privileges with which 
I have been favored, — privileges far superior 
to any I ever before enjoyed ; when I think of 
the many faithful, searching sermons I have 
heard, and then look at my own heart and life, 
I am filled with bitterness ; for all these bless- 
ings have been accompanied by a heart full of 
unbelief and blindness. Indeed, I may look 
within myself, even at this season of awaken- 



102 



MEMOIR OF 



ing, and discover no evidence of love to Christ. 
The thought of my wretched condition, if yet 
out of Christ, sometimes almost overwhelms 
me ; but again the concerns of the world, in a 
measure, erase it from my mind. The annual 
fast, I have, for several years, particularly 
noticed. The one for this year was on Thurs- 
day. Forenoon, — a most faithful sermon from 
Mr. Dwight; afternoon, — addresses to children 
and parents from Mr. D. and Mr. Humphrey. 
" To-day has been communion Sabbath ; 
and O how unworthy was I, with this impure, 
unbelieving heart, to sit down at the table of 
the Lord !" 

Sabbath, April 13. 
" This forenoon, a most impressive and 
searching sermon, — I have scarcely ever heard 
it equalled, — from Dr. Beecher. Text, — 
Luke xii, 47 ; 'He that knew his Lord's will,' 
he. One for whose spiritual interests I have 
reason to, and do, feel deeply interested, ap- 
peared unusually impressed. For this, God 
be thanked. O, may it be permanent, and 
result in the sanctification of the soul ! With 
regard to myself, the subject of this sermon 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 103 

was peculiarly affecting. I do seem to know 
the will of the Lord. I feel that he requires 
my whole heart, and I believe I see this to be 
just, — see the law of God to be infinitely pure 
and strict ;= — that I have transgressed it every 
hour of my life. Sometimes my convictions 
of sin are exceedingly distressing ; but knowing 
the Lord's will, — that I must repent and give 
my heart to Christ, — do I perform it ? Ah, I 
fear not, though it is a painful conclusion. By 
reason of sin, my heart is blinded, — blind to 
the moral excellence of Jehovah, — blind to 
the perfections of Christ." 

May 24. 

" This day is set apart, by the church, for 
prayer and fasting. I shall endeavor to keep 
it, in some measure ; but, ah ! I have not the 
spirit of prayer. My mind remains unchanged 
respecting divine things. I think 1 desire, this 
day, to give myself to God, forsaking all sin. 
My sins rise like mountains ; but present im- 
penitence and unbelief is the great wall which 
now separates me from Him. I have had 
some sense of the reality of eternal things ; but 



104 MEMOIR OF 

my heart has wandered in its own evil ways, 
and I fear I shall be filled with my own doings. 
I cannot bear to think of remaining in this 
state of impurity. O for the sanctifying influ- 
ence of God's Spirit ! Afternoon. — Have at- 
tended the church meeting at the vestry. It 
was solemn. Mr. Dwight observed, When 
will Christians ever feel, if they do not in a 
season of revival ? When will they labor for 
Christ, if they do not then ? If a man will not 
work in harvest time, when will he work ? 
He thought the church ought particularly to 
examine their conduct during this revival, and 
exercise deep repentance for unfaithfulness. 
O, 1 have reason to be humbled in the dust ; 
for I have sought my own and not the things 
that are Christ's, notwithstanding convictions, 
and mercies, and privileges." 

June 21. 
" Have been reading the ' Life of Brainerd,' 
and, in view of his character, am filled with 
self-reproach. God has been very merciful, in 
thus far restoring me from an indisposition 
which alarmed me. Some symptoms of a 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 105 

dangerous disorder, though slight, excited my 
fears. I looked at death, to see if I was ready 
for him ; but no, I dreaded his approach. I 
looked at myself, and not a gleam of hope 
from any thing belonging to me. I looked at 
the character of the infinitely glorious Jehovah, 
and felt his just displeasure. I looked at 
Christ ; to Him, I felt I must cling ; but my 
mind remained dark. I searched the Scrip- 
tures, but did not see His glory. I sought the 
influence of the heavenly Enlightener ; but my 
aggravated sins against him appeared as a 
reason why that influence should be withheld ; 
and now that I am nearly restored to health, 
— now that one of those absent friends, for 
whom my anxieties, wishes, and prayers have 
been exercised, has returned in safety, — now 
that I have heard of the health of the others, 
and am receiving such various mercies, how 
ought I to blush and be ashamed of my ingrat- 
itude ! O for a humble and contrite heart !" 

Sept. l. 
" The months pass almost imperceptibly 
away. Time is bearing me swiftly forward 



106 MEMOIR OF 

toward the ocean of eternity. O, how blindly 
do I pass along ! how almost unheeded the 
chart prepared to guide me to the haven of 
rest ! How awfully misimproved are the 
blessed privileges bestowed by the Giver of 
every good and perfect gift ! The cares of 
the world, or rather, an idolatrous attachment, 
has drawn me far away from holiness and 
God ; and now, without power to return, I 
can only hope in that very grace to restore me 
which I have so slighted. O, my foolish 
heart ! Placed in so responsible a situation, 
with the power to do so much good, how just 
will be my condemnation, if found wanting in 
the final day ! May God turn my strongest 
affections to Himself!" 

The following extracts from a letter ad- 
dressed to Mary Ann, by one of her most inti- 
mate friends, bear ample testimony to the ex- 
cellence of her letters, — a testimony which is 
the more valuable, inasmuch as it comes, spon- 
taneously, from one capable of appreciating 
excellence, and too sincere and upright to be 
guilty of flattery. 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 107 

JJedham, Jan. 10, 1824. 
"My first letter, bearing the date of 1824, 
shall be directed to my ever dear Mary Ann. 
In looking over my list of letters for 1823, I 
find four of the number from M. For these, I 
sincerely thank you. If our lives are spared, 
may our correspondence, the present year, be 
more frequent. Instead of an Unprofitable 
correspondent,' I have ever found you the re- 
verse. You would not say that, were you 
sensible how greatly the perusal of your letters 
has, in times past, excited me to form good 
resolutions. I will not say how these resolu- 
tions have been executed. I feel that I have 
profited by Mary Ann's friendly counsel. — 
One faithful letter, in particular, written a few 
months after our first acquaintance, I have 
perused and reperused again and again ; and I 
trust not in vain. You know not, dear friend, 
how much you might effect, did you continue 
to warn and admonish R. She needs it now 
as much as then. These remarks are sincere, 
not flattery." 

The whole of the year 1823 was a memo- 
10 



108 MEMOIR OF 

rable one in Boston. Many individuals com- 
menced the Christian life, and many followers 
of Christ " afar off," were brought nigh, and 
were made the instruments of good to others. 

Feb. 3, 1824. 

Miss Odiome writes, — " The religious inter- 
est, which prevailed so recently, has evidently 
declined. Still, there are some inquirers, and 
there is reason to hope that the spirit of fervent 
prayer is not extinct in the hearts of Chris- 
tians." 

The following letter was addressed to a very 
intimate friend, for whose conversion Miss O. 
had long prayed and labored : 

Aug. 20, 1S24. 

" Your kind assurance of continued 



affection is peculiarly grateful to me. I have 
heard of the pleasing attention to religion in 
S. ; and may I not say, with some degree of 
confidence, that, among the young who are 
becoming truly engaged in the service of 
Christ, A. will surely be one ? Will it add at 
all to the solemn effect of the scenes vou now 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 



109 



witness, and the interesting addresses you un- 
doubtedly hear, for me to say, as I can from 
the heart, — My dear friend, let nothing now 
interfere to keep you from earnest attention to 
the great object of salvation ? You are aware 
that your present situation affords peculiar 
advantages. You also see that nothing can 
avail you in the final day, but an interest in 
Christ. The world is passing away. We are 
rapidly hastening toward the period when we 
must relinquish it, with all its endearments. 
Let us, do let us, lay up a treasure in heaven. 
" Your affectionate 

"Mary Ann." 

Boston, Aug. 23, 1824. 
" You inquire about the state of religion in 
the city. The revival has passed off. The 
good minister of Park Street is removed from 
his labors, and there is now no unusual atten- 
tion to religion. Mr. D wight's removal is a 
very afflictive dispensation. He will be ab- 
sent at least a year. The pulpit is now sup- 
plied by Mr. B., a young gentleman from New 
Jersey." 



110 MEMOIR OF 

To a very dear friend, who was, apparently, 
without a saving interest in Christ, she writes : 

"Dear C, 

u Did you ever think particularly of that 
text, ' Ye shall seek me and shall find me, 
when ye shall search for me with all your 
heart ?' Think of it, — with all your heart, — 
and then the promise is sure. Another is 
something like this : ' Ye shall know, if ye 
follow on to know the Lord.' I do believe 
that God will manifest himself to those whom 
nothing else will satisfy ; and where a person 
makes it his first object, to obtain the grace of 
God, he will receive it. Let us be earnest in 
this all-important concern. In the final day, 
we shall not regret any exertion made to 
secure our salvation." 



" How mercifully has my unprofitable life 
been prolonged ! Why has it not been said of 
me, — c Cut her down ; why cumbereth she 
the ground ?' Since the last date, I have re- 
mained stupidly cleaving to the dust, loving 
and serving the creature more than the Crea- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. Ill 

tor. I have been somewhat tried in those 
objects to which I have been inordinately 
attached ; and it appears as though God has 
severer trials in store for me. May he make 
use of those means most consistent with his 
will, to bring me to himself. 1 desire not to 
choose the means, but to pray that 1 may not 
be left to myself." 

" Death has been uncommonly busy around 
us this winter. I suppose you have heard of 
the death of my grandmother B. When we 
see death, — when it enters the circle of our 
friends, and removes some beloved object, we 
seem to realize, for a moment, its solemnity 
and certainty. But how soon the impression 
is erased ! Surely, we shall look on this world 
as a dream, when we enter the world of spirits." 

March 14. 
" We now have, at Park Street, the privi- 
lege of hearing Dr. Payson preach. He is 
supplying the pulpit for five or six Sabbaths. 
He is a very forcible preacher. You have, 
no doubt, heard much of his character, 
10* 



112 MEMOIR OF MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 

" The last letters from Mr. Dwight left him 
in Italy. His health is improving. At the 
monthly concert, a letter was read from him, 
giving an account of his visit to the Waldenses 
in the valleys of Piedmont. He said he was 
the first American who ever visited them. 
Among many inquiries respecting his country, 
they asked him a question which had been 
frequently repeated during his stay in Europe : 
< If the people here were not often attacked by 
the wild Indians.' They received him very 
affectionately, and he was much gratified with 
his visit." 



CHAPTER VI. 

Resides at Maiden ;— Letters, 1825 to 1828. 

For more than three years, Mary Ann had 
resided in Boston, in the family of Mr. C, 
and had taken the charge of his children. 
Her religious privileges were numerous ; and 
notwithstanding some severe trials, and much 
mental despondency, — which has been often 
alluded to in her journal and letters, — she had, 
manifestly, made great progress in the divine 
life. Her views of doctrinal truth were estab- 
lished, and she had become favorably known 
to an extensive circle of acquaintance. 

In the month of May or June she left Bos- 
ton, and returned to the paternal roof. Soon 
after, she writes, " I have commenced the 
volume of Natural Philosophy which you re- 
commended, or rather my father has commenc- 
ed reading it to me. I think I shall proceed 
with pleasure in the study. 



114 MEMOIR OF 

" 1 have just been wandering a little, to view 
the beauties of nature, rendered more beautiful 
by the rays of the setting sun. The country 
is at this time delightful. I enjoy it much, and 
believe I have done as F. desired, — not to 
yield to despondence. I think I have possess- 
ed more peace of mind, since my return home, 
than for some time previous." 

To another friend she writes, — 

" Mr. C. has closed his house, and taken his 
daughters with him to S., to spend the summer. 

" I have, therefore, more leisure, and am in a 
great measure relieved from care. Parting 
from the little girls, was very painful to me ; 
but I find the country very pleasant after so 
long a residence in town. Boston, however, 
affords many privileges which cannot be found 
in M. ; and I feel their loss." 

In September, she writes, — 

" I think I have, for two or three months, 
enjoyed more uniform peace of mind, than for 
a long time before. It seems to arise not from 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 115 

any external circumstances, but from confidence 
in the righteous Disposer of all things. O, 
how would my heart sicken at the events of 
life, if I did not feel that God is the director 
of all. There is a sufficiency in him, and in 
him only, to procure happiness to the minds he 
has formed." 

Speaking of some friends, in distressed cir- 
cumstances, she says, " I cannot express my 
anxiety for them all ; but must and will leave 
them, as well as all my concerns, with resigna- 
tion to the will of my Father in heaven." 

In October, she visited her friends in Haver- 
hill and Bradford, and speaks of this visit in 
her letters as being very pleasant and useful to 
her. 

During the year 1826, Miss Odiorne visited 
her friends at Exeter, Randolph, Quincy, &c. 
Her letters breathe a filial spirit ; and it is evi- 
dent that the trials she had experienced, were 
instrumental of weaning her from the world, 
and leading her to place more unlimited confi- 
dence in the dispensations of the divine gov- 
ernment. 



116 MEMOIR OF 

Jan II. 
" Have you been in ? It is a pleas- 
ant place. The people are social, many of 
them interesting ; and if we are willing to lose 
sight of religion, we may enjoy much in the 
society here. But, little as I bear of Christ's 
image myself, I do certainly feel most at home 
among those who love to speak of him, and to 
acknowledge themselves his humble followers." 

Jan. 30. 

" I thank you, my friend, for your wishes 
respecting my happiness, and trust your desires 
for my spiritual welfare are accompanied with 
prayer. I do think it is my desire to grow in 
grace ; yet I make but small progress, — have 
to lament the darkness of my understanding 
and the hardness of my heart, and am ever 
constrained to say, ' Lord, open thou mine 
eyes.' How precious is the assurance, that 
we have an Advocate who has passed into the 
heavens, even Jesus, and that he has sent the 
Comforter, the Spirit of truth, to teach us all 
things necessary here ; and that what we know 
not now, we shall know hereafter. How bles- 
sed the hope, too, that through his heavenly 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. * 117 

influence we shall be made meet for the inher- 
itance of the saints in light, — be made holy ; 
that, in the bright world above, we shall be 
freed from selfishness, and that there God will 
be all and in all. 

" Dear H., you have felt the force of these 
consoling reflections ; and does not joy thrill 
through your bosom, when you realize that 
you belong to the household of faith, and may 
claim kindred with the multitudes now on earth 
and multitudes already in heaven, whose un- 
derstandings and hearts are expanded and filled 
with the fulness of God ?" 

March 15. 

" I am quite dependent on friends for com- 
fort ; not that I want many, but such as I can 
love, such as can overlook my numerous fail- 
ings, and love me. 

" I must hope, that you will find comfort in 
religious exercises, if you have not already 
found it. If you resign yourself to God, you 
will find that submission to his will will pro- 
duce unspeakable consolation in seasons of 
affliction, — and in this life, who is exempt from 
trouble ? — and add enjoyment in seasons of 



118 MEMOIR OF 

prosperity. I feel more and more resolved to 
seek my happiness, where only I am convinced 
permanent happiness is found. Dear A., after 
so deep conviction of your need of a Savior, 
and of the frailty of earthly good, you surely 
cannot again take the world for your portion. 
No, ' believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.' Say, 
' though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.' 
I will spend my life in seeking his favor; 
for what am I profited, if 1 gain a world, and 
lose my soul ? 

" No doubt you have heard of the death of 
Mr. Fisk, the missionary to Palestine. It 
seems very mysterious, that he should be re- 
moved in the midst of great usefulness, for we 
have every reason to suppose, that he was a 
very efficient missionary ; but it is pleasant to 
feel, that he was called to his heavenly rest by 
the Being who knew best how long it was ex- 
pedient for him to remain upon earth.' 7 

March 20. 

" I hope you have recovered from your cold, 

and enjoy more peace of mind than you did 

when I last saw you. ' In me ye shall have 

peace.' This is a delightful promise, and you, 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 119 

dear F., have experienced the truth of it in 
times past. I trust you experience it now. I 
sometimes have hours when I long to converse 
with you on those subjects which interest all 
who love the Lord Jesus Christ. 

March 23. 
** My dear Friend, 

" Your situation is changed since I 
last wrote. You have now new objects of in- 
terest, new prospects of usefulness and enjoy- 
ment. But still, I trust, you retain something 
of that affectionate regard you used to express 
for me. 1 think of you very often, engaged 
in domestic management, and quietly settled as 
the wife of a pastor. But though circumstan- 
ces are changed, I cannot feel that you are, 
but must still remember you as my dear N., 
with whom I have passed so many pleasant 
hours, and whose friendship and correspondence 
I still hope to enjoy. 

" T. seemed depressed, on account of the 
recent death in your sister's family; but 1 trust 
she has found comfort before this. Surely the 
Savior does fulfil, to those that love him, that 
sweet promise, * In me ye shall have peace/ 
11 



120 MEMOIR OF 

I have never realized more than I have lately, 
the delightful privilege of trusting in him ; and 
I have never felt more deeply that his loving- 
kindness is better than life. Tell me, dear N., 
do you not find his grace sufficient, enabling 
you to perform the duties now incumbent on 
you ?" 

Exeter, May 2, 1826. 
" Dear F., and L., 

" While I sit alone, this evening, in 
my chamber, a thought of you secretly presents 
itself, and seems to exert a constraining influ- 
ence, inducing me to write. 1 think often 
and affectionately of you, and particularly is 
this recollection associated with my thoughts of 
heaven. It comes with peculiar sweetness, 
when I can feel that I love the Savior; for I 
say to myself, I have dear friends who love 
and trust him too. We are united in his ser- 
vice now, and, I trust, we shall unite hereafter 
in ascribing praise and dominion unto him in 
heaven. 

" We shall then be like him, for we shall 
see him as he is. 1 sometimes feel myself 
nearly on the verge of that eternal state ; time 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 121 

seems so short and its concerns so unimportant. 
I then pray, that God would enable me to 
glorify him in death. 

" There have been a few very interesting 
conference meetings, since I came to this place. 
I am pleasantly situated, and shall probably 
remain here a month or six weeks longer. This 
house was, for many years, the residence of 
my grandfather Odiorne, who, until his death, 
about seven years since, was distinguished for 
piety. He was one of the most heavenly- 
minded persons I ever knew. The few years 
before death, he seemed to have relinquished 
all care for this world. During his last sick- 
ness, he did not recognise his nearest relatives ; 
yet, if a word was said about Christ or heaven, 
he would be all alive to it, and would often 
break forth in prayer and praise." 

Such instances are not uncommon among 
those who, like the beloved disciple, have been 
eminent for piety during a long series of years, 
and when they occur, they afford a beautiful 
exhibition of the power of religion. The love 
of Christ once deeply implanted in the soul, as 



12*2 MEMOIR OF 

a principle, renovates and transforms the whole 
man ; and when every thing earthly fades from 
the memory, this theme will continue to awak- 
en emotion until the disembodied spirit takes 
its upward flight to the celestial world. 

The following very interesting letter was di- 
rected to one of her most intimate friends, who, 
with very frequent seasons of convictions, was 
still, for a long time, without hope in Christ. 
While others despaired of her ever becoming 
a true disciple, Miss Odiorne persevered in 
directing her attention to the Savior, on every 
suitable occasion, and with such kindness and 
humility, that it won upon her feelings and 
disarmed her of all her prejudices. And, at 
length, after the lapse of not less than nine 
years of persevering effort and prayer, she had 
the happiness to see that beloved friend a hum- 
ble and devoted follower of the Lamb. In a 
letter to Mr. Clark, written after the death of 
his wife, the individual alluded to thus writes : 

" Mary Ann was a long tried and much lov- 
ed friend to me. She was more than a sister. 
She was, I think, the instrument of leading me 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 123 

to view the world in its proper light, and of 
calling my attention to the great subject of 
religion." 

Exeter, May 28, 1826. 
<l Dear Friend, 

" Your letter was peculiarly interest- 
ing to me, not only on account of the expres- 
sions of friendship and affection which it con- 
tains, but because it assured me that you con- 
tinue to cherish a solemn sense of eternal 
things. I could not ascertain from it, however, 
whether you had obtained any evidence of 
repentance towards God and faith towards our 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

" I rejoice that you are so favored with 
religious privileges, and hope and trust you 
will be enabled to improve them. It would, 
indeed, rejoice my heart, could I accompany 
you to some of those interesting meetings you 
mention ; but, more than all, I long to embrace 
you, my friend, as a sister in Christ. I long 
to feel that my dear A. is indeed a follower of 
the Savior, — that Savior in whom I place all 
my dependence for happiness in this life and 
in the life to come. I long for evidence that 
11* 



124 



MEMOIR OF 



we are hastening to the same heavenly home, 
and that, although we may be separated while 
passing through this vale of tears, we shall 
soon sit down together, with all the redeemed, 
in our heavenly Father's house. I cannot be 
satisfied without some ground for the indulgence 
of these delightful hopes. God has led me, I 
trust, to the conviction, that ' He is, and that 
He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek 
him.' I expect salvation for myself, not be- 
cause I am more deserving than any other 
sinner on the face of the earth, but because I 
am ready, with all my unworthiness, to cling 
to Christ. I have no other hope. Of him I 
say, < though He slay me, yet will I trust in 
him ;' for ' He is the way, the truth, and the 
life.' Then I remember the promises, ' He 
that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out ;' 
' He that cometh to me shall never hunger, 
and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.' 
My dear friend, only believe the words of 
Christ, — only believe. I feel as though you 
might rejoice in him : perhaps you do. Has 
not the peace of God, which passeth under- 
standing, found a place in your heart ? Reli- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 125 

gion, you know, even ' pure and undented,' is 
not always accompanied with great light, and 
powerful impressions of divine things. 

" I think often and affectionately of you ; 
and not unfrequently, my dear friend, are you 
remembered in my petitions at the throne of 
grace. O that I had a more affecting sense of 
the evil of sin, and of the worth of the immortal 
soul ! — that I were more humble, more de- 
voted to the good of others 1 Dear A., I do 
not indulge the thought, that you will ever 
again be satisfied without the enjoyment of 
religion. It seems to me, that the deep con- 
victions you appear to have of your sin and 
helplessness, must lead you to Christ; and 
may his Spirit dwell in you, guiding you into 
all truth. 

" My dear friend, do not forget your affec- 
tionate 

" Mary Ann." 

June 24. 
" I only spent one night at H., and had no 
opportunity of seeing our Bradford friends. I 
longed to stop at Dea. H.'s, for I do love that 



126 MEMOIR OF 

family. 1 find my heart more and more at- 
tached to those who are followers of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. Surely, there is no bond of 
union so strong, as that which unites those 
that love him. How much reason have I to 
be grateful, that God has given me, for friends, 
some who appear to possess his spirit. 

" I hear there is some seriousness at the 
Londonderry academy. Do pray that my 
dear sisters there may be visited with the grace 
of God." 

Exeter, Sept. 5, 1826. 

" One of the young ladies, who has indulged 
hope this summer, is now laid upon a bed of 
sickness, and, it is feared, will not recover. 1 
am told that she manifests Christian patience 
under her sufferings, which are very severe ; 
and 1 trust she will glorify God, and convince 
the world, that there is a divine reality in that 
religion which affords support and comfort in a 
season of affliction. 

" Have you read the Memoir of Mrs. Hun- 
tington ? I have perused it, lately, with much 
interest ; — there is such a delightfully submis- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 127 

sive spirit exhibited through the whole of her 
writings. ' My path of life seems peaceful/ 
she says, ' because it will be just what ray 
God would have it.' If you have seen the 
account of her mental exercises, at the time of 
her husband's death, I am sure you were 
deeply interested. 

" Dear H., we will pray constantly for that 
sweet spirit of resignation which will prepare 
us to say of all our heavenly Father's dispen- 
sations, 'it is well, because ordered by Him.' " 

Exeter, Sept. 6, 1826. 
" My dear Friend, 

"Let me thank you for your 
affec donate letter, which I received the same 
day it was sent. The deep interest I feel in 
all that relates to you, makes your letters 
always welcome. I agree with you, dear A., 
in thinking that, ' if ever you are made a child 
of God, it will be through his infinite mercy ;' 
but I cannot see why you should suppose it 
must necessarily be at c the eleventh hour.' 
If you feel that you should be willing to devote 
your < time, influence, and talents ' to promote 
the interests of religion, then why not go for- 



128 MEMOIR OF 

ward ? Ought you to wait till God is pleased 
to give you satisfactory evidence of adoption, 
before you attempt to serve him ? Dear A., 
let us love and serve the blessed Redeemer, 
and leave the result, as it respects our eternal 
welfare, entirely with him. The path of wis- 
dom is pleasantness in itself; and it is most 
delightful to pursue the Christian course, even 
if we could do it without ensuring our salvation. 

" Have you read Spring's Essays ? I think 
you would find them profitable. They exhibit 
the different Christian graces in a striking and 
beautiful manner, and, I think, are calculated 
to aid us in judging of our own experience. 
But, after all, the Bible and prayer are the 
means of grace which we should most diligent- 
ly use. You know that when the Savior 
appeared to his disciples, after his resurrection, 
it is said, ' He opened their understandings, 
that they should understand the Scripture ;' 
and he can enlighten us, too, my friend. If 
we make Jesus Christ our all, we are safe. 

" Wherever I am, or however engaged, 
believe me, your sincerely affectionate 

"Mary Ann." 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 129 

JVbv. 17, 1826. 

"I feel the need (and who does not?) of 
some to whom I can freely communicate the 
feelings of my heart, — ' with whom 1 can 
feel sympathy, and from whom I can expect it.' 

" As I am led to discover more and more 
the value of the religion of Christ, I find my- 
self possessing sentiments of warmer attach- 
ment towards those who bear his blessed like- 
ness ; and while- 1 think on the grace of God, 
I remember you, dear F., as one of the instru- 
ments of leading me to turn my face toward 
heaven. The pleasing consciousness that I 
am indeed a ' pilgrim and stranger on earth/ 
seeking a better country, has been more than 
ever impressed on my mind, for a year past ; 
and emotions of thankfulness arise, when I 
reflect on the goodness of God in giving me 
some friends who can assist me in the way. 
How utterly worthless does every worldly 
advantage appear, if the possessor is destitute 
of that heavenly principle which unites the 
soul to Jesus Christ and his followers ! 

" Since I left you, I have been thinking 
that you might, perhaps, suppose that I did 



130 MEMOIR OF 

not suitably regard your observations on the 
subject of faith. I believe they were correct, 
and hope that I said nothing to damp your 
feelings. I feel that no petition ought more 
constantly to break from my lips, than, ( Lord, 
increase my faith.' I believe that witnessing 
sin in others, and feeling it in ourselves, though 
it should humble, ought not to discourage, us. 
On the contrary, it should lead us to more 
earnest prayer, and more active exertion. 
' Press forward,' seems to be a motto peculiarly 
appropriate to the Christian. I have often 
thought of that prayer, in Exodus, when the 
Israelites stood, with the Red Sea before them, 
and the Egyptian army behind them, hedged 
in, without any apparent possibility of escape. 
Then God said, ' Wherefore criest thou unto 
me ? speak unto the children of Israel, that 
they go forward.' I think that we are thus 
called upon to ' go forward ' in the path of 
duty, sometimes through obstacles apparently 
as insurmountable as this great sea was to the 
Israelites." 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 131 

Jan. 1, 1827. 
" I came in town a week since, and attend- 
ed the ordination on Wednesday last, which 
was very interesting. At the close of the 
sermon, Dr. Beecher made a short address to 
his son, which was quite affecting. He re- 
marked, that he had devoted him to the gospel 
ministry, before he could say ' my father,' or 
knew good and evil ; he did it unconditionally, 
and should have acquiesced, if it had been the 
will of God to send him to die in India, or the 
Sandwich Islands, or in the wilds of America. 
But still it would be an affectation of insensi- 
bility, to say, that he did not rejoice in the 
providence which had brought him to labor in 
the same vineyard with himself." 

Jan. 8. 
"Dear A., 

" I have been reading over some of your 
affectionate letters, and my heart is filled with 
mingled emotions. I look at the title of ' sis- 
ter/ by which you address me, and at the 
many expressions of affectionate interest, and 
I feel a satisfaction which I cannot express. 
In one place, you make this remark : ' I think 
12 



132 MEMOIR OF 

I can truly say that time or distance does not 
diminish my affection for you ; and, for this 
reason, I hope our friendship is founded on the 
love of Jesus.' 

" Dear A., it is this observation which en- 
courages me to write to you, after more than 
two years' silence. 1 do love you most ten- 
derly ; and, for some time after you discontin- 
ued writing, my heart was grieved because I 
knew not the reason, and supposed you had 
relinquished all desire to continue our friend- 
ship ; but since I have heard of the state of 
your eyes, I feel sad from another cause. 
Believe me, I feel for you with the sincerest 
sympathy. If you are unable to write your- 
self, why can you not get some friend to write, 
and let me know your present situation ? 

" I trust that, whatever your external state 
may be, you experience the sustaining grace 
of your bod and Savior, and that you find 
peace in relying upon him. 

" For more than a year, I have, if not de- 
ceived, felt more established in my religious 
views and feelings than ever before ; — a more 
constant trust and confidence in God. I re- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 133 

joice in applying to myself the title of ' pilgrim 
and stranger on earth,' and I believe it to be 
the prevailing disposition of my heart ' to seek 
those things which are above.' " 

Jan. 30. 

" As apologies are generally quite an unprof- 
itable part of a letter, I will not consume time, 
in endeavoring to excuse myself for not sooner 
answering your affectionate and very accepta- 
ble letter. 

" The passage in which you allude to your 
own feelings affected me sensibly. I cannot 
indulge the thought, that you will ever again 
become insensible to eternal things. Do you 
not find, that the occurrences of every day, by 
bringing disappointment and sorrow, enforce 
anew the injunction, ' Seek those things which 
are above.' I long to hear that you are enjoy- 
ing a good hope, and that you are actively en- 
gaged in promoting the interests of true religion. 

" Except two visits in Boston, I have not 
been from home since I left Exeter. 1 have 
spent more time than usual in reading, which 
I have too much neglected for three or four 



134 MEMOIR OF 

years. I am now going through with Robert- 
son's Charles V, which I find extremely inter- 
esting ; for though it presents a disgusting pic- 
ture of the deceit and treachery of men, and 
tells us constantly of lives and property sacri- 
ficed in unprofitable wars, yet these things 
seem to have been overruled by Providence 
for the advancement of the Reformation and 
the spread of truth. 

" I feel as though 1 was doing very little 
good ; but I think it is my sincere desire that 
God would give me a heart, and place me in 
a situation to be useful. I feel sometimes, just 
as Cecil says. Every thing on earth seems 
saying to me, ' Do something, do it, do it.' 
Life appears short ; but short as it is, it seems 
so full of difficulty, sorrow and gloom, and my 
feet are so prone to slide from duty's path, that 
I think it will be long enough for me." 

March 7. 
" I rejoice at what you mention, that the sub- 
ject of religion is so much on your mind. Dear 
C, if you feel that you have hitherto depended 
too much on your own endeavors, why should 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 135 

you not cast away such dependence and lean on 
Christ alone ? I suppose it is true, we should 
act as though we could accomplish all, and at 
the same time feel deeply our entire dependence 
on our God and Savior; for while we 'work 
out our own salvation with fear and tremb- 
ling, it is God who worketh in us to will and 
to do, of his good pleasure.' I cannot but 
feel as though you would embrace Christ in his 
true character, and be led to realize the pre- 
ciousness of his great salvation. That com- 
fort which is derived from the gospel is no vain 
thing. The religion of Christ is precious, 
whether we look at this life, or anticipate the 
life to come." 

March 21. 
" My dear Friend, 

"Let us press forward in the straight 

and narrow way. Let us make Jesus Christ 

our all, and endeavor to lead others to follow 

him. You seem in a state of uncertainty v/ith 

regard to your own heart. I feel as though I 

want to entreat you to hesitate no longer. 

Make no reserve. Give yourself wholly to 

Christ. You will then go forward peacefully, 

12* 



136 MEMOIR OF 

and have reason to change your note of lamen- 
tation into one of rejoicing." 

To the same. 

March 31. 
" Dear A., 

"My heart ever kindles with ardent af- 
fection, when I take my pen to converse with 
you. Dear A., cannot you say. that you have 
set your face steadily toward heaven ? that 
you have given your best affections to the Savior, 
and that you do find your sweetest enjoyment 
in loving him? 

" O, how important is it to have our hearts 
thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the gos- 
pel ! And why should we not, while the Bi- 
ble is ours, and a heavenly Teacher ready to 
instruct us ? 

" My dearest friend, need I say that I hope 
you will not rest without exercising this spirit? 
It will doubtless be necessary for you to take 
a stand. O, let it be on the Lord's side. 
Pray constantly for grace, and strength, and 
wisdom to direct. I can say, that I feel a deep- 
er interest than almost ever before, in your 
spiritual welfare. Turn not to the right hand 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 137 

or to the left. Let not the powers of the 
world, nor the inconsistencies of professed 
Christians, turn you aside from the straight and 
narrow path which leads to life. That path is 
sometimes thorny, but it has its delights, and 
ends in heaven. A little longer, and we shall 
look back on life with no pleasure, unless it has 
been spent with reference to eternity. Have 
I said too much ? I sometimes fear you will 
find my letters tedious ; but, believe me, they 
are dictated by sincere affection, and you are 
remembered by me almost daily, in my peti- 
tions to the throne of grace. I close with an 
assurance of continued friendship. 

" Mary Ann." 

To the same. 

July 18. 

" I have often thought of the pleasant eve- 
ning we passed at Mr. W 's. I believe 

my happiness at that time arose chiefly from 
the hope, the delightful hope, that a beloved 
friend, for whom I had long felt and prayed 
with the liveliest interest, was beginning to re- 
alize the inferiority of the things which are 
seen and temporal, to those which are unseen 



138 MEMOIR OF 

and eternal. I thought that this friend would 
surrender her affections to him who so justly 
claims them as his due. I thought I should 
see her clothed in the white robes of his right- 
eousness, finding her happiness in doing his 
Will, and steadily pursuing a course toward 
the celestial world ; and, finally, I thought that 
we should both, with others near and dear to 
us, be admitted among the innumerable com- 
pany of the redeemed. These hopes have 
not forsaken me. They kindle anew, while I 
now write. But when I feel most sensibly the 
blessedness of heaven, the danger of losing it 
seems most dreadful, and I feel constrained to 
cry, ' Search me, Lord, and try me ;' let no 
evil way be found in me, ' but lead me in the 
way everlasting.' When the extent and spir- 
ituality of God's requirements are realized, and 
the natural state of our hearts, we cannot but 
be sensible, that our hope is in him alone." 

July 12. 

" Within a few months, I have become ac- 
quainted with an aged Christian in our neigh- 
borhood, whose conversation affords me much 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 139 

pleasure. I have just returned from visiting 
her. She is confined to her room by lameness, 
and is unable to attend the public ordinances 
of the gospel ; but she keeps the Bible at her 
side, and feels that her home and her heart are 
in heaven. I love to see aged persons who 
are quietly waiting till their change comes. I 
love to hear them relate all the way in which 
the Lord has led them, and express their joyful 
anticipations of that rest which remaineth for 
the people of God. 

Though years in prospect appear long, we 
have enough to convince us that time is short, 
and that we should be steadily engaged in our 
1 Father's business.' " 

Nov. 3. 
" You ask me of my pursuits. I must, in- 
deed, apply to myself the epithet, ' unprofita- 
ble servant.' I do little for the advancement 
of that cause, which, I trust, my heart loves ; 
and while I rejoice in the assurance, that I 
shall one day pass over Jordan, to the land 
which he has told me of, and shall find a place 
in the mansions prepared by him who went 
before, to that Canaan of rest, I do deeply feel, 



140 



MEMOIR OF 



that it will be only by grace, — the precious 
grace of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
How delightful will it be, when our salvation 
is accomplished, to praise him for it all ! — to 
say, ' Unto him who hath loved us and washed 
us from our sins, in his own blood,' unto him 
' give glory.' There are few passages in the 
Bible, which have caused more pleasant emo- 
tions in my mind, than that delightful anthem. 
" It is said, ' Thou wilt keep him in perfect 
peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.' This, 
I trust, is your own state, dear H. God suf- 
fers us to be discouraged, and almost to faint 
by the way. We feel as though we should 
never attain the heavenly rest ; but we shall, 
— and our heavenly Father will sometimes 
vouchsafe to us a foretaste of that rest, while 
we remain in this vale of tears. Sometimes 
he will shed on us the light of his glory in the 
face of Jesus Christ. Tell me in your next, 
if you do not experience the truth of the Sav- 
ior's promise, ' In me ye shall have peace.' " 

JYov. 3. 

" Your letter gave me both pleasure and 
pain ; for feeling as I do, deeply interested in 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 141 

your happiness, I cannot but mourn, when you 
express yourself like one who has no hope in 
Christ, and yet I am glad you are not without 
thoughts about it. I am the more sad, because 
I am so thoroughly convinced that this world's 
comforts are of little worth, if the mind is des- 
titute of that one blessed hope. I know that 
life has its pleasures. It was the benevolence 
of our heavenly Father, which formed this 
world so beautiful, that we might enjoy it. 
There are the pleasures of social intercourse 
and the affection of friends, — comforts which 
I am sensible you, dear A., possess abundantly. 
But I know, too, that these cannot satisfy. We 
do need the < peace of God, which passeth 
understanding/ to impart a relish to all our en- 
joyments. 

" Dear A., does not the character of the 
Savior appear precious to you ? Has not the 
glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ some- 
times beamed upon you ? Do study his char- 
acter, and ' follow on ' to know him, until your 
heart burns within you, as theirs did, who went 
with him to Emmaus. Say as Moses did, ' I 
beseech thee show me thy glory.' Rejoice, 



142 MEMOIR OF 

my dear friend, in giving yourself away to him. 
Harbor not a moment the idea, that you can- 
not be his disciple. Think of the final day, — 
the hour of death, — the blessedness of those 
mansions the Savior has gone to prepare. 
How does every thing which is merely earthly 
appear lost, when we give these reflections 
their due weight ! O, let us be ambitious to 
' shine as the brightness of the firmament and 
as the stars for ever and ever.' 

" I sincerely hope God will give you a faith- 
ful and affectionate pastor. I hope he will be 
a holy man. O, how desirable is holiness in 
one who sustains the office of a Christian min- 
ister. One has been recently called to enter 
his rest, who was eminently a man of God ; — 
I mean Dr. Pay son. I have been told that 
his last days were truly such as we might ex- 
pect of one who had lived so devoted a life. 
He said to some one, ' God was once to me 
like a star, bright, but small and distant ; after- 
wards he appeared like the sun in his splendor; 
and now it is as if the whole atmosphere were 
one blaze of glory.' 

"There are some in this world, who, in their 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 143 

lives seem to say, ' I must be about my Fath- 
er's business,' — whose one object is to do the 
will of God. It is delightful, that, now and 
then, we may look on such a character, and 
God does bless such ; for < the secret of the 
Lord is with them that fear him, and he will 
show them his covenant.' " 
13 



CHAPTER VII. 

Residence at Randolph ; — Her Character as an Instruc- 
ter ; — Letters. 

In the summer of 1828, Miss Odiorne was 
requested to take a school in Randolph ; and 
from that period, until her marriage in 1832, 
she was a member of the family of the writer 
of this Memoir. At the close of her public 
engagement, such had been the progress of her 
scholars, that a small select, private school was 
formed, of which she was requested to take 
the charge ; and here she remained, with only 
the exception of short vacations, for four years. 
Her efforts to promote the well-being of her 
pupils were indefatigable. When she entered 
her school-room, in the morning, it appeared 
that her feelings were all absorbed in the single 
desire, to promote the best interests of her 
scholars. To an uncommon share of dignity 
and firmness, there was superadded such mild- 



MEMOIR OF MRS.M. A. O. CLARK. 145 

ness and affection, that she won the love as 
well as commanded the obedience and respect 
of her pupils. " In my school-room," she 
writes, in one of her letters, " every thought 
is necessarily excluded, which does not relate 
to my duties there." 

In the commencement of her labors as a 
teacher, she felt her responsibility so painfully 
as to endanger her health. " It is not a small 
thing," she says, " to assume the management 
as well as the instruction of a large number of 
children of different ages, dispositions and at- 
tainments ; taking into view the expectations of 
parents and committees, and, especially, con- 
sidering the children as immortal beings, whose 
characters we are contributing to form for eter- 
nity. I felt, for a few days after the com- 
mencement of my school, that it was a respon- 
sibility I could not sustain. But as I became 
acquainted with my scholars, and accustomed 
to my duties, my mind was relieved ; and look- 
ing to him who said ' My grace is sufficient for 
thee,' I have been able to proceed with some 
degree of comfort. It takes time for the heart 
to attune itself to all the varieties of a new sit- 



146 MEMOIR OF 

uation ; yet I am not now sorry that I under- 
took the charge." 

In this extract, we have the secret of her 
uncommon success as a teacher. She was dif- 
fident, as it respected her acquirements, so that 
she made thorough preparation for every lesson. 
She realized the importance of knowledge to 
her pupils, as rational and immortal beings. 
She therefore impressed on them constantly, 
the importance of diligence. Above all, she 
committed them earnestly to God, and sought 
his blessing upon them ; and she continually 
implored for herself that wisdom which she 
felt was requisite in the performance of her 
duties. 

Corporal punishment she seldom resorted 
to, especially in her private school ; but still 
she did not profess to be wise above what is 
written. When other measures failed, she 
deemed it of paramount importance to enforce 
obedience. Such, however, was the tender- 
ness mingled with her rebukes, and such the 
constant manifestations of kindness and affec- 
tion towards her pupils, that she won their 
hearts, and, for the last three years of her en- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 147 

gagement, it is believed that she had no occa- 
sion to resort to any corporal inflictions to se- 
cure obedience to her directions. 

•Amid all the advantages for mental improve- 
ment, which her pupils have since enjoyed in a 
well-regulated academy, they still remember, 
with affection, the name of Miss Odiorne. The 
school-room where they were accustomed to 
assemble, was a consecrated place. They re- 
member her fervent prayers, not only for their 
progress in knowledge, but, also, for the renew- ' 
al of their hearts. Her faithfulness as a teacher, 
and the ardor of her affection as a friend, secured 
their love and esteem, and will be affectionately 
remembered until their dying day. Several of 
those dear youth, we trust, are now followers 
of the Redeemer. Her fervent supplications 
have already begun to receive an answer. 
May they all be renewed in the image of God, 
and be prepared to meet their departed teach- 
er in the regions of the blessed ! 

During her residence at Randolph, Miss 

Odiorne acquired the friendship and esteem of 

an extended circle of acquaintance. She felt 

a deep and lively interest in all the benevolent 

13* 



148 MEMOIR OF 

objects of the day. She found time to read 
most of the religious periodicals, and had a 
very accurate acquaintance with the progress 
of religion in the world. She was appointed 
a collector in behalf of foreign missions ; and 
her first step was to see that religious intelli- 
gence, by means of the Missionary Herald and 
missionary papers, was circulated in all the 
families of her district. The consequence was, 
that the contributions far exceeded what they 
had been in former years. 

Her own contributions to benevolent objects 
were liberal, perhaps, to a fault. With scanty 
means, she contrived to give more than many 
whose pecuniary resources were comparatively 
ample. She was a punctual attendant at all 
meetings for prayer, especially the monthly 
concert ; and, in this respect, her example is 
worthy of imitation. It is amazing, that any 
professed follower of Christ can retain a hope 
of pardoning mercy, and yet stand aloof from 
a meeting which has such a distinct connexion 
with the Savior's command : " Go ye into all 
the world, and preach the gospel to every 
creature." 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 149 

Besides being attentive to the monthly 
concert and other meetings for prayer, she 
was also constantly engaged, while at Ran- 
dolph, as a teacher in the Sabbath school. 
She uniformly made a careful preparation for 
the lesson before she ventured to appear in 
presence of her class. Her illustrations of 
truth were exceedingly pertinent. She did 
not confine herself to the questions in the text- 
book, but proposed many of her own ; and 
when the subject was understood by her pupils, 
she took occasion to make a practical and per- 
tinent application of it to their consciences and 
hearts. She often visited them at their homes ; 
and such was their love for their teacher, that 
an absence in the class was an evidence that 
the individual was either sick, or detained by 
some indispensable engagement. 

Miss Odiorne was remarkably social among 
her intimate friends, although rather reserved 
with strangers. On the subject of religion, 
she was always ready to converse ; and but 
few persons were more capable of analyzing 
their feelings, and tracing them to their proper 
origin, than herself. She seldom spoke of her 



150 MEMOIR OF 

own religious experience, and, perhaps, never, 
unless she deemed some important benefit 
would result from it ; yet, on proper occasions, 
she was ready to give a reason of her faith as 
well as of her hope. 

She was exceedingly fond of nature ; — the 
setting sun, the waving forest, the humble, 
modest flower, had great attractions for her. 
She was accustomed " to look through nature 
up to nature's God." 

While at Randolph, she commenced the 
study of botany, and soon outstripped her 
teacher in this science. It was interesting to 
see her, towards evening on a summer's day, 
leading off her pupils in their pleasant rambles 
in search of flowers, and to witness the interest 
with which she listened to their inquiries, and 
the affability and kindness with which she 
replied to their numerous questions, and re- 
ceived the tokens of their attachment, in the 
shape of every beautiful specimen with which 
any of them chanced to meet. 
( Besides botany, she was, of course, much 
nterested in whatever pertained to the subject 
of education; and particularly was she interest- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 151 

ed in the Annals of Education, — a work which 
has done much to elevate the business of 
school-keeping from a trade to a science. 

CORRESPONDENCE. 

Her correspondence, during her residence at 
Randolph, was necessarily limited, on account 
of the constant occupation of her time in other 
pursuits. Some extracts from letters written 
during this period will be given. 

To a sick friend, supposed to be near to death. 

July 20, 1828. 
«« My dear M., 

" 1 trust you are not too sick to read 
a few lines from me, and I feel too deeply 
interested in your present situation to omit 
writing. Shall I tell you I am grieved on 
account of your ill state of health ? This 
would but feebly express my feelings. How 
gladly would I now sit down in your sick 
chamber, and endeavor, by every means in 
my power, to assist in alleviating your suffer- 
ings! How would I watch for any symptoms 
that might lead to a hope of your recovery ! 
And, more than all, how happy should I be in 



152 MEMOIR OF 

conversing with you about Him who loved us 
and gave himself for us, — who is ready now to 
wash you from your sins in his own blood, 
and to receive you, penitent and believing, to 
his heavenly kingdom ! 

" Dear M., hesitate not to give yourself 
away to Him, that, whether living or dying, 
you may be the Lord's. Do you feel that 
your sins will exclude you from heaven? 
They cannot do it, if you shield yourself m 
Him. It is not past sin, but present impeni- 
tence and unbelief that hinders our acceptance 
with God. I trust you will become, — perhaps 
you have already become, — a subject of that 
1 peace which passeth understanding,' and 
which flows from unfeigned contrition, and reli- 
ance on the Savior. I regret extremely, that, 
during our intercourse with each other, our 
conversation has not been more On those sub- 
jects which concern us so nearly as immortal 
beings. O, how ought we to live every day 
with reference to eternity ! Though I cannot 
be with you, be assured you will have my 
prayers, — my most earnest prayers, — that the 
grace of God may rest upon you ; and O, may 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 153 

your own prayers rise with acceptance to the 
throne of grace ! 

"With unfeigned sympathy and affection, 
" I remain your cousin, 

" Mary Ann." 

The following letter to the surviving sister 
of the individual to whom the foregoing letter 
was addressed, cannot fail to interest all those 
who have lost near friends, and who know the 
value of Christian sympathy. 

Randolph, Avg. 16, 1828. 
«« My dear C, 

" I feel under great obligations to 

you for your letter. Every thing relative to 

the last days of our dear M. is interesting to 

me. You express truly the sentiments of my 

heart, when you say I loved her. I have, for 

several years, regarded you both with sisterly 

attachment. I mourn her loss on my own 

account, and on account of her husband ; but 

especially on yours. My heart aches for you, 

dear C. I seem to see the gloom which sheds 

itself around you. ' The sun shines the same ; 

nature rejoices ; but you say of this beautiful 



154 MEMOIR OF 

world, — it is a solitude. — a desert.' You have 
much reason to feel, as you express it, that 
vain is the help of man. But there are those 
who can sympathize with you ; and I, although 
perhaps I do not fully realize the sorrow which 
pours its deepening gloom over your wounded 
heart, still sensibly and keenly feel your afflic- 
tion. But while I weep with you for your 
loss, which is unspeakably great, I want you 
to be comforted. You must not, dear C, give 
way to this sense of desolation. 'It is sin to 
indulge ourselves in sorrow, so far as to unfit 
us for present or future duty.' I want you to 
feel that there may be comfort for you even in 
this world, which appears so dark. You have 
friends remaining, who love you tenderly, and 
will endeavor to promote your comfort. The 
Sun of righteousness may yet arise upon you, 
with healing in his beams, and God can be to 
you more than any thing he has removed. 
Say not you cannot submit to God ; but pros- 
trate yourself before him, with the feeling that, 
although he slay you, yet will you trust in 
him; for he is good, and his mercy endureth 
for ever." 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 155 

" Dec. 5, 1828. 
"I have commenced another quarter, and 
have a pleasant little room. My school, this 
term, will be small, but, I trust, agreeable. 
Whether large or small, I always feel a sense 
of responsibility which makes me sad when I 
first commence. How should our hearts glow 
with gratitude to Him who hath given us any 
disposition to look for grace and strength to 
the source whence we may obtain an abundant 
supply ! " 

Jan., 1829. 
Corporal Punishment. 

" I believe that, although patience ought to 
have its perfect work in the management of 
children, yet great decision is necessary, and 
even corporal punishment must frequently be 
used." 

Resignation to the Divine Will. 

c f You remark, that you ' take little 

thought for the future.' It is a lesson I have 
nearly learned. I have reason to praise God, 
that he has enabled me to regard the events of 
the future without distressing anxiety, and that, 
14 



156 MEMOIR OF 

in some degree, I experience the peace of those 
whose souls are stayed on him. Mrs. Hun- 
tington has a remark something like this, ' The 
path of life looks peaceful, because it will be 
just what my God would have it.' It is cer- 
tainly that temper of heart alone, which will 
render us comfortable amidst all the vicissitudes 
of life." 



Randolph, April 19, 1829. 
" After an absence of a month, spent at my 
father's and in Boston, I returned here last 
Tuesday, and commenced school the next day. 
I have much to be thankful for, and yet my 
heart is sad. The world appears dark to me ; 
but 1 bless God, there is a brightness beyond 
it. I have been praying, since my return, that 
God would lead me into a state of complete 
acquiescence in his will, — that whatever may 
be the events of his providence, my soul may 
be stayed on him. God knows the desires of 
my heart with respect to this life, — and if he 
sees best, he will grant them. If not, O may 
I be enabled, with a meek and quiet spirit, to 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 157 

resign myself to the allotments of his provi- 
dence. The few years of life will rapidly 
pass away, and in the eternal world it will 
make but little difference to me where my life 
was spent, if I have lived with devotion to his 
service. 

s Father, whate'er of earthly bliss 
Thy sovereign will denies, 
Accepted, at thy throne of grace, 
Let this petition rise: — 

Give me a calm and thankful heart, 

From every murmur free; 
The blessing of thy grace impart, 

And make me live to thee.' " 

Nov. 7, 1829. 
"My dear A., 

" I have enjoyed my school, the past 
season, very much. It is my present purpose, 
to have a vacation of about a fortnight, after 
which I shall probably return and pass the 
winter here. Dr. A. has just added to his 
house a neat little room, fitted and designed 
for a school-room. I have, till now, kept in 
one of the chambers. If I were better quali- 
fied for the employment, I think I should de- 
rive great satisfaction from it." 



158 MEMOIR OF 

'Feb. 25, 1830. 
"My dear C, 

" You have again the melancholy sat- 
isfaction of attending the sick bed of a sister. 
While you accompany her to the borders of 
the eternal world, may your own spirit be ben- 
efited. There is certainly something pecu- 
liarly interesting in a sick and dying friend, — 
something which is adapted to elevate us above 
the world. How insignificant does every thing 
appear, which we are accustomed to look upon 
as important, when we see one placed in a sit- 
uation such as we shall all soon be placed in, 
where the world can do nothing for us, and 
the interests of eternity only will be worth a 
thought ! " 

There was one dear friend for whose con- 
version Miss Odiorne felt a peculiar solicitude. 
Having learned that there was a remarkable 
change in her religious feelings, she immediate- 
ly addressed to her the following letter : 

April 18, 1830. 
" My ever dear C, 

"It is needless for me to tell you that 

your last letter was a source of great satisfaction 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 159 

to me. It would be but a cold expression, to 
* say, that I rejoice in the change which has 
taken place in your mind, with respect to the 
all-important subject of religion. 1 have long 
been hoping and praying, that you might ex- 
perience the renewing grace of God, and now, 
blessed be his name, you seem to have rea- 
son to hope. 

"If the feelings which you express, of en- 
tire submission to his will, continue to reign in 
your heart, you will need nothing more to make 
you happy. O, may He who has graciously 
brought you to this state, continue to impart to 
you that heavenly peace which arises from 
perfect resignation to his will ! May the light 
of his countenance be shed over all your com- 
forts, and your happiness in future not consist 
in doing your own will, but the will of your 
Savior ! 

" My dear C, if you have determined to 
set forward in the Christian race, I entreat you 
to set your face as a flint against the tempta- 
tions to which you will be exposed. You 
cannot yet be fully aware of the difficulty of 
living a holy life. There must be constant 
14* 



160 MEMOIR OF 

watchfulness and prayer, constant striving on 
our part, constant reliance on the grace of God, 
to enable us to make any progress in the Chris- 
tian race. We ought not to be satisfied with 
any present attainments, but let our motto be, 
1 pressing forward.' *' 

To the same friend she writes, some months 
afterwards : 

" My dear C, 

" I love to think of you, not only on 
your own account, but because it awakens in 
my cold heart some emotions of gratitude to- 
ward that gracious Being, who, I trust, has 
brought you from a state of darkness into the 
light of the gospel. Religion has done much 
for you, as it respects this life, as well as the 
life to come. I hope you now are enjoying 
its sacred influence, even more than when I saw 
you. Gird on the whole, Christian armor, 
dear C, and look ever to him who declares, 
'My grace is sufficient for thee.' " 

Feeling of Responsibleness as a Teacher. 

April 18, 1830. 
" My school is pleasant, room convenient. 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 161 

and, on the whole, I get on with tolerable 

comfort. Dr. and Mrs. A continue the 

same kind friends as ever, and are disposed to 
afford me every facility in their power. My 
situation is responsible. I feel that 1 have an 
opportunity to promote the eternal interests of 
my scholars. Pray for me, — for I trust you 
have now the spirit of prayer, — that 1 may not 
be found wanting, when called upon to render 
my last account of the manner in which I have 
instructed them." 

Her Employments. 

Sept. 6, 1830. 
" Dear H., 

"I have been engaged, during the last 
two years, almost constantly, in the duties of 
instructing, — performing them very imperfectly 
indeed, — so that I often look back with dis- 
couragement at the small amount of good I 
have accomplished. The parents of my schol- 
ars are very kind to me, especially , 

to whom I feel under the greatest obligation. 
My school, the present season, has been more 
than usually pleasant, consisting of a few more 
than twenty children, from three to fourteen 
years of age, 



162 MEMOIR OF 

" I attended part of the Lectures recently- 
given in Boston, to Teachers, and was much 
interested. 

" Though I come far short of my duty as a 
teacher, yet I hope I am not wholly useless ; 
and, sometimes, I feel that it is a privilege to 
instruct." 

Love of Botany. 

" I anticipate much pleasure in rambling, 
and collecting plants this summer. The study 
of nature is delightful in all its branches. The 
more we become acquainted with it, the more 
we discover of the wisdom and goodness dis- 
played in the perfect arrangement and harmony 
existing throughout the works of God." 

Morning Prayer Meeting. 

" I enjoyed the privilege of attending the 
five o'clock prayer meeting. Mr. A., who pre- 
sided, proposed the inquiry, ' Do we enjoys the 
presence of God in our own souls ?' and re- 
commended it, as the subject of prayer, that 
we might enjoy him during the day r . These 
morning meetings are very pleasant." 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 163 

How to enjoy Comfort in this World. 

" I hope you are happy, dear A., and use- 
ful ; indeed, I believe the only way to enjoy a 
tolerable degree of comfort in this world, is to 
keep our hearts and hands employed in the 
service of God, and in promoting the best in- 
terests of our fellow-men. 

" How desirable, to be eminently devoted to 
the service of God ! I often feel tired of be- 
ing a half-way Christian. But although I 
sometimes have desires for eminent holiness, I 
am sensible of giving very little evidence of 
any holiness at all." 

Interesting Meeting. Her Feelings. 

Randolph, Oct. 27, 1831. 

" We enjoyed the privilege of a four days' 
meeting last week. I never spent a more sol- 
emn and interesting week in my life. During 
the time, a considerable number were seriously 
impressed ; several have obtained hope. 

" We had an inquiry meeting last evening, 
at which professors of religion as well as the 
anxious were present. I long to see convic- 
tion of sin, because it seems to be such an 



164 MEMOIR OF 

evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit. 
1 When he is come, he shall reprove the world 
of sin.' I have felt more deeply than ever, of 
late, the need of the enlightening influences of 
the Holy Spirit. On account of my unbelief, 
unfaithfulness and deficiency in almost every 
thing which adorns the Christian character, I 
have reason to be humble ; and I sincerely 
trust that I desire to be brought to see and re- 
pent of my past sins with unfeigned contrition." 

Mrs. Hervey. Living for God. 

June 2, 1832. 

" 1 feel much interested in the character of 
Mrs. Hervey, as presented in the Missionary 
Herald. She seems to have possessed a spirit 
of sincere devotion. I love and admire such 
characters more than I can express, though I 
fear I have seldom realized what it is to live 
for God. The duty of being continually 
' about our Father's business,' and carrying our 
religion into our daily employments, as well as 
into our closets, is one which I am exceedingly 
prone to lose sight of." 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 165 

The following extracts from letters to a 
brother are inserted, as a valuable specimen of 
the kind of intercourse which it is desirable 
should be kept up between children of the 
same family, when widely separated. Too of- 
ten it happens, that those who are united by 
the nearest ties of affinity, are less disposed to 
commune with each other on religious subjects 
than with comparative strangers. 

It was not so with Miss Odiorne. She felt 
her peculiar responsibility, as the elder mem- 
ber of the family, and the first among them 
who had received the grace of God, to do all 
in her power to promote the salvation of the 
rest. She commended her brothers and sisters, 
individually and collectively, to God in prayer; 
and in her own peculiarly kind and fascinating 
manner, she endeavored to win them to Christ. 
When, at last, she had obtained satisfactory 
evidence that one of the number had given 
his heart to the Savior, she sought the earliest 
opportunity to secure his cooperation in prayer 
and efforts for the conversion of those who 
remained unreconciled to God. 

Delightful influence of the religion of the 



166 MEMOIR OF 

gospel ! Christian friends striving together, 
not for the perishing things of this world, but 
to obtain for themselves and others an imper- 
ishable crown, — a heavenly inheritance ! 

Boston, Jan., 1823. 
" My dear Brother, 

" I have thought of you lately with 
peculiar interest ; and as I have not many op- 
portunities of conversing with you, I feel de- 
sirous to write a little this evening. The in- 
terest of which I speak has been excited prin- 
cipally by a sense of the precious opportunity 
you now enjoy, of obtaining that heavenly wis- 
dom which would render you useful and hap- 
py in life, and give you a certain hope of a 
blessed immortality. Dear T., I should rath- 
er see you a humble and consistent follower of 
Christ, than to witness your elevation to the 
highest office, or most extensive fortune, that is 
ever possessed by men of the world. The 
richest portion which consists in this life's good 
things, is poor indeed, when compared with 
the l inheritance incorruptible,' promised by 
God to those that love him. 

" I want you to feel that you are a sinner, 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 167 

exposed to the just wrath of your offended 
Maker. I want you to see but one refuge, — 
Christ. If you examine the Bible, you will 
see that God requires your supreme love and 
best services, which you must be sensible you 
never rendered. The signs of true conversion 
are deep humility on account of sin, and sin- 
cere grief for it, because committed against a 
holy and gracious Being, your Creator and 
Preserver ; confidence in Christ, and a sense of 
his preciousness as an all-sufficient Savior ;, a 
love to God, to his people, his word, and his 
ordinances. My dear — , you will say, you 
have none of these ; and, on examining your 
heart, you will find it opposed to them all ; for 
' the carnal mind is enmity against God.' Let 
me say this emphatically, — think of these 
things. Let eternal realities follow you by 
night and by day. Seek ■ the kingdom of God 
and his righteousness.' Read the Scriptures 
attentively, with prayer for the enlightening 
influences of the Holy Spirit. Give yourself 
no rest, till you find the Savior to be { the one 
altogether lovely.' I wish you would write me. 
If you can, without neglecting other duties, it 
3 5 



168 MEMOIR OF 

would oblige me exceedingly. Tell me if you 
have any pious associates ; how you employ 
your leisure ; and whether you feel any anx- 
iety respecting the welfare of your soul. 
" Your affectionate 

" Mary Ann." 

July 7, 1824. 
" Dear Brother, 

" I have thought of you much, although 
it has not been manifested by frequent letters. 
I have been somewhat engaged and have devo- 
ted but little time to writing. 1 am happy to 
know that you are pleased with your new resi- 
dence, and find pleasant acquaintances. I 
hope that the attentions you may receive will 
have none but a good effect. If you form 
friendships, I trust they will be only such as 
will tend to promote your best interests. The 
enjoyments of this world are worth little to us, 
if deprived of the blessings of friendship ; for 
our pleasures are heightened by the participa- 
tion, and our sorrows alleviated by the sympa- 
thy, of those we love. But friends, however 
precious, may and will fail us ; — like every 
earthly comfort, they are uncertain. This 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 169 

world, with all its endearments, is a 'thorny 
maze.' Our heavenly Father knows that 
eternity is long enough for his people to be 
happy in, and this life is sufficient to prepare 
for a happy eternity. Dear T., pray for a 
heart to do good in the world ; let that be your 
aim ; for a few years hence, you will look back 
with no satisfaction, if you have lived only to 
yourself. # # # # * 

July, 1825. 

"If I could lookback, without measuring 
time, it would seem four instead of one week, 
since I parted from you and our friends. It 
was very lonely for a few days after your de- 
parture ; but the gloom which oppressed me 
has, in a measure, passed away, since my re- 
turn home. The beauties of nature always 
afforded me pleasure, and they now, perhaps, 
appear more delightful, on account of my long 
absence from the country. There is a com- 
fort, too, my dear brother, in leaving all in the 
hands of a God, to whom every thing is per- 
fectly easy, and who orders all things well. 
1 He will keep him in perfect peace, whose 
mind is stayed on him.' Let us trust in him, 
and be at peace. * * #' ■ # 



170 MEMOIR OF 

Sabbath Eve. 
" 1 have heard to-day two good sermons from 
Mr. S. I hope you have enjoyed the privilege of 
interesting preaching. Your opportunities and 
mine, for several years, of obtaining religious 
knowledge have been valuable indeed ; but I 
fear neither of us has made a proper improve- 
ment. A few years hence and all other knowl- 
edge will vanish away, and none but that de- 
rived from divine truth will be of any advantage 
to us. I hope you will have wisdom to direct 
you in the performance of your present duties. 
Pray for it, dear T., and I doubt not but you 
will have many opportunities of doing good." 

April, 1831. 

" I received your letter by Mr. , and 

was glad indeed to see your well known hand- 
writing, after so long a suspension of our cor- 
respondence. The satisfaction I received in 
reading it was greater than I have ever before 
experienced ; for I could have had no intelli- 
gence equally interesting and important res- 
pecting you. I should feel comparatively little 
anxiety about my dear brothers and sisters, if 
I saw evidence that they were walking in the 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 171 

way which leads to eternal life ; and although 
I have often had much solicitude respecting 
their temporal welfare, I have ever felt their 
eternal interests to be the great concern. 
My prayers have often been addressed to the 
throne of grace, that they might, in youth, 
become the followers of the Lamb ; and I 
think, that, during a few months past, I have 
been more than usually constant in this peti- 
tion ; and although my unworthy prayers have 
been offered in much sin and unbelief, they 
have sometimes been earnest, and, I cannot 
but think, were dictated by the same Spirit 
who, I trust, has graciously begun a good work 
in you. This particular request has almost 
daily been made, — that God would permit me 
soon to hear some good news relative to the 
spiritual interests of our dear friends. And 
now, my dear T., let us both be importunate 
and persevering in our prayers and efforts, that 
our heavenly Father would carry on his work 
among us, until all our brothers and sisters are 
brought to know and love their Savior. The 
interesting particulars you wrote, about the 
state of religion around you, and particularly 
15* 



172 MEMOIR OF MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 

the cases of some of our acquaintances, rejoic- 
ed my heart. I have often hoped, that 

would early become interested in religion ; and 
now I hope that she will be eminently devoted 
to Christ. My dear T., may grace be given 
you from on high, to live a holy life. You 
realize, I doubt not, that, in such a world as this, 
with hearts like ours, it is no easy thing to be a 
consistent Christian : but, in the use of constant 
watchfulness and prayer, it may be accomplished. 
It is a melancholy reflection, that instances of 
eminent holiness are so rare. As the blessed 
period approaches, when ' all shall know the 
Lord,' it is to be hoped, that the number will 
increase ; and I trust that we shall deem it a 
privilege, by our holy lives and conversation, 
to do something towards the advancement of 
that glorious period. As it respects myself, I 
have been sadly deficient hitherto ; and unless 
assisted by divine grace, shall continue to live 
un profitably ; but in God would I trust. I 
have ever felt, that there is all my hope of 
sanctification as well as redemption." 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Marriage ; — Residence at Hudson, Ohio ; — Charac- 
ter ; — Extracts from her Journal and Letters. 

In the year 1832, Miss Odiorne was in- 
troduced to the Rev. Ansel R. Clark, a 
native of New Hampshire, but for some years a 
resident in Hudson, Ohio, and Secretary of the 
Western Reserve Education Society. The 
acquaintance resulted in their marriage. Early 
in August, she bade farewell to her parents 
and friends, having first received substantial 
tokens of their kindness ; — and, as it resulted, 
she saw them no more. It cost her susceptible 
heart a pang, to leave the friends of her youth, 
and the dear pupils who had been so long 
under her instruction ; but the indications of 
Providence appeared to be plain, and she 
never had occasion to regret the decision to 
which she had been led. In the conjugal 



174 MEMOIR OF 

relation, during the brief period of its continu- 
ance, she was very happy. Her husband was 
every thing to her which she had anticipated. 
Their connexion, originally formed on the 
basis of union to the Redeemer, became more 
and more firmly cemented, in proportion as the 
sphere of their mutual sympathies became 
extended. Mrs. Clark was fitted to shine 
any where ; but peculiarly so ni domestic 
life. There was nothing remarkably attractive 
in her personal appearance, on a first acquaint- 
ance. To borrow an illustration from her 
favorite science, she resembled the modest 
Animone, far more than the gaudy Helianthus. 
Her " ornament " was that of a "meek and 
quiet spirit." Kindness was a ruling, govern- 
ing principle in all her intercourse. If there 
was sometimes an appearance of reserve, on a 
first introduction, it arose not from a want of 
conversational powers, but from a dread of 
being thought obtrusive. Her society, there- 
fore, was pleasant ; and increasingly so to 
those who enjoyed it most frequently. Equal- 
ly removed from that levity which bespeaks a 
mind devoted to trifle?, and from that painful 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 



175 



taciturnity which indicates a want of interest 
in passing events, she was social without arro- 
gance, and an instructive companion, without 
even a spice of dictation. Nothing of gloomi- 
ness appeared in her intercourse with friends. 
She seemed to live to do good and to make 
others happy. She seldom obtruded her pri- 
vate troubles on the ear of friendship. Neither 
her bodily nor her mental ailments were served 
up as a standing repast for every company, for 
the sake of exciting sympathy ; nor did she 
ever turn a deaf ear to the troubles of others, 
with which she became acquainted either by 
accident or inquiry. She was a wise and pru- 
dent counsellor to those who sought her advice ; 
and she was a faithful reprover, whenever duty 
required this most difficult exercise of true 
friendship. As a wife, she was affectionate 
without adulation, and complaisant without 
flattery. She regulated the affairs of her 
household with discretion. " Home, sweet 
home," was not an unmeaning phrase in her 
vocabulary, but a delightful reality. She wel- 
comed her husband to the family hearth with 
the most affectionate tenderness, as he returned 



176 MEMOIR OF 

from his tours on the business of his agency ; 
but never, in a single instance, was she betray- 
ed into that weakness, which would have re- 
quired him to sacrifice the calls of duty to the 
endearments of domestic gratification. 

But the crowning excellence of her charac- 
ter was her uniform and consistent piety. 
With her, religion was not the fitful impulse of 
excited passion, but an active and permanent 
principle, having its seat in the heart, and 
spreading its influence through all the ramifica- 
tions of the life ; not the meteor blaze, which 
makes the darkness of this world visible, but a 
pure and lambent flame, shedding its soft and 
benignant light on the path to heaven. She 
delighted in prayer and in Christian ordinances. 
She was not only an attentive hearer, but " a 
faithful doer of the word." 

Such was our friend ; a pattern of conjugal 
fidelity, domestic virtue, and Christian meek- 
ness. May her mantle fall on many of the 
fair readers of her humble Memoir, and may 
they attain the same happiness which, we 
trust, she now enjoys in the presence of her 
Savior ! 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 177 

During the residence of Mrs. Clark in Ohio, 
she kept a journal, from which a few extracts 
have been selected. 

FROM HER JOURNAL. 

" Aug. 2. Bade adieu to dear friends, and 
took passage in the stage for Northampton. 

" 15. Witnessed a thunder tempest on 
lake Erie, which appeared very grand. 1 
desire to be thankful to Him who so constituted 
my mind that it should be susceptible of those 
emotions, which are excited by objects of sub- 
limity. I would not be deprived of the satis- 
faction derived from the sublime and beautiful 
in nature, if I might possess half the wealth of 
a great city and live in all the splendor which 
such wealth would procure. 

" 17. Arrived at Hudson, the place of 
my future residence, and was kindly received 
into the family of Mr. Coe. 

' ; 30. Husband absent. Although I do 
and shall undoubtedly feel the privation of 
his society to be no small trial, yet I am 
entirely reconciled, knowing him to be in the 
path of duty. It is my earnest desire and 



178 MKMOIR OF 

prayer, that God would bless his efforts, and 
make him greatly instrumental in advancing 
the kingdom of Christ. 

" Sept. 3. Visited the house appointed for 
all the living. While there, the thought 
came, with some solemnity, to my mind, that 
possibly I was treading the sods under which 
my own body would shortly lie." 

Female Prayer Meeting. 

" Sept. 8. Enjoyed the privilege of uniting 
with the ladies here in a meeting for prayer. 
The meeting was conducted with animation. 
1 have never met in a circle of ladies where 
there was a greater readiness to take an active 
part in the exercises. I hope these interesting 
meetings will be salutary in promoting the 
health of my own soul. May a path of use- 
fulness be opened for me, and may I have a 
heart to pursue it, that my coming to this dis- 
tant country may not be in vain." 

Indian Summer. 
" The weather has been warm for several 
days, resembling the Indian summer. The 



MRS. M. A. O* CLARK. 179 

forest is beginning to change its foliage, and 
the various shades of red, yellow and orange 
have taken the place of green. I am remind- 
ed of my enjoyments last year, during the 
protracted meeting at Randolph. The sum- 
mer is past, and winter is approaching. But 
still there is a delightful sensation produced by 
the scenery of autumn, which, though nearly 
allied to melancholy, is far from being unpleas- 
ant. I have reason for gratitude that I have 
been preserved from that deep depression of 
spirits which I feared I should experience 
during the absence of that dear friend, who is, 
as it were, all the world to me. I have been 
generally cheerful, and have enjoyed the soci- 
ety of others as much as usual." 

Love to her Friends. 

" Sept. 29. I begin to feel quite impatient 
to hear from my dear friends at the East. It 
is now more than two months since 1 left them. 
A flood of tender emotions sometimes rushes 
into my mind, as I think of them all individu- 
ally, and of all their kindness to me ; — my 
father, mother, brothers, sisters, dear C, aunt 
16 



180 MEMOIR OF 

S. and cousins, the kind friends 1 left at Ran- 
dolph, my pupils, and many others. Some of 
them 1 left without seeing them, or even writ- 
ing to them ; but they are all in my thoughts, 
and often pass before me in imagination, and 
are often remembered in my petitions at the 
throne of grace. My dear brothers ! — my eyes 
often fill with tears, when I think of the temp- 
tations to which they will be exposed as they 
pass through this wicked world. May God 
provide for them and bless them, sanctify their 
hearts and keep them from sin !" 

Payson. 

" Oct. 7. Sabbath Evening. Have been 
reading Payson's Memoir, in which I find 
much satisfaction, although I have perused it 
once or twice before. His eminent devoted- 
ness to the work of his Savior is indeed worthy 
of the imitation of all, and especially of minis- 
ters. It is my sincere desire and earnest 
prayer, that my dear husband may possess a 
similar spirit. Much as I love him, and much 
as I desire to possess the affections of his heart, 
I willingly resign the first place in it to that 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 181 

Savior who so justly requires his supreme love 
and his best services. I do most sincerely 
admire and love such heavenly-mindedness- as 
Payson seems to have possessed, and feel 
thankful that I have this one evidence of a 
renewed heart. 

" Oct. 22. Have this day been greatly 
refreshed by the receipt of letters from my 
dear friends at the East ; — Dr. and Mrs. A., 
my father, sister E., Mrs. B., Mr. and Mrs. 
C, dear C, Mr. B. B. E., and several of my 
pupils. 1 desire to render thanks to God for 
this new instance of his goodness. 

" O, my dear friends, my heart glows with 
warm affection toward you all. If we are 
deprived of the privilege of personal intercourse, 
we may still enjoy a written correspondence ; 
and I earnestly desire that we may all grow in 
conformity to the character of those for whom 
mansions are provided in heaven. 

" This evening, attended church meeting at 
the chapel, — very interesting. Quite a num- 
ber of young men were examined for admission 
to the church. It consists principally of young 
men ; and I believe many of them are devot- 



182 MEMOIR OF 

edly pious. It is pleasant to look upon their 
serious deportment and devotional aspect, es- 
pecially if we extend our view forward a tew 
years, when they will go out into the world as 
preachers of the everlasting gospel." 

There was one practice which Mrs. Clark 
adopted in her correspondence with absent 
friends, well worthy of being imitated by every 
Christian ; it is alluded to in the following ex- 
tract : 

" Dec. 23. This evening have written to 
my parents, and have endeavored to commend 
them, with my dear brothers and sisters, to God. 
The highest satisfaction I enjoy, when separat- 
ed from those I love, is to hold communion 
with them by means of the pen, and to com- 
mend them in prayer to Him whose goodness 
has so manifestly followed me all my life long." 

Reflections at the Commencement of a New Year. 

"Another year has commenced with me, 
under circumstances, of which, at the com- 
mencement of the last, I had not the slightest 
anticipation. The providence of God has di- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 183 

rected me to this western land, has surrounded 
me with mercies ; but, above all, has united 
me to one, whose society and affection add 
much to my happiness, and whom I can lean 
upon with confidence, esteem and love. A 
short period may reverse all these comforts, and 
present, in their stead, scenes of affliction more 
severe than any I have ever witnessed. May 
God mercifully grant me a preparation for fu- 
ture events, whatever they may be." 

Preparation for Death. 

"Aug. 11. Have, during the last week, 
been again reminded of the uncertainty of life, 
by the sudden death of Mr. Storrs' little son, 
— both of the parents absent. I endeavor of- 
ten to meditate upon death, and make myself 
familiar with it ; and I often pray for a prepa- 
ration for that great change. But I fear I do 
not realize its solemnity and importance as I 
ought. The account of Mrs. Winslow's de- 
parture, at Ceylon, is very affecting. God 
grant me grace to make as careful a prepara- 
tion for the great change as she seems to have 
done." 

16* 



184 MEMOIR OF 

Death of her Brother's Wife. 

" Nov. 23. Received the afflictive intelli- 
gence of the death of brother T.'s wife, — a 
sad loss to him. But he has the consolation of 
believing that she died in the Lord. May God 
sustain him in his loneliness, and make up the 
loss by his own blessed presence, and may this 
be a sanctified event to us all ! Truly at an 
hour when we think not the Son of man com- 
eth. She attended three meetings on the Sab- 
bath, and on Thursday morning was a corpse." 

New Year. 
" Jan. 1, 1834. Another year my life 
has been preserved, and all my comforts con- 
tinued to me, with the addition of one treasure, 
which is becoming more and more precious to 
me, — my dear little Mary. God grant me 
grace to keep my affection for her within prop- 
er bounds. On reviewing the last year, I find 
occasion renewedly for grateful emotions, many 
sins to repent of, and the same uncertainty re- 
specting the future. But there is the same 
God, in whom I may trust ; and I sincerely 
hope I shall set myself more resolutely to serve 
him, than I have heretofore done." 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 185 

"Feb. 16. Last Sabbath was received as 
a member of the college church, — having pre- 
viously presented my certificate. 

"In celebrating the Lord's Supper, I think 
I felt, and do feel, stronger desires to live not 
to myself, but for him who died for me. A 
constant sense of the imperfection of earthly 
enjoyments and of the uncertainty of life, leads 
me to place but little dependence on the world. 
My plans for the future, if I ever form any, 
are always checked by the thought of death ; 
and I pray that this thought, together with an 
abiding sense of God's presence, may lead me 
to live with constant reference to eternity," 

Maternal Association. 

u March 22. Have joined the Maternal 
Association, and attended the quarterly meet- 
ing, which was very interesting." 

" April 27. I ought to record, as a subject 
of gratitude, that we were permitted to offer 
our little one in baptism. Professor Folsom 
administered the ordinance ; and I believe we 
were enabled to surrender her to him who 
justly claims her as his own." 



186 MEMOIR OF 

" Oct. 22. I have earnestly desired, of late, 
to maintain a consistent Christian walk, and to 
obtain peace to my own soul, by diligently 
obeying God's commandments. 

" My dear little Mary is daily improving in 
strength and intelligence. As she is teething, 
I have much anxiety respecting her, but I 
know that God is able to carry her through it 
safely, if he sees best ; and in this assurance I 
rejoice. My situation is now very favorable 
for attention to private devotional duties, and 
I trust I shall be more punctual in the per- 
formance of them than heretofore." 

" Nov. 23. Sabbath evening. Have been 
detained from the sanctuary, which 1 feel to be 
a great privation. I believe, however, the 
Sabbath may be a very precious season, if 
rightly spent at home. I trust this one has 
not been altogether unprofitable to me." 

"Jan. 4, 1835. Sabbath evening. God 
has given us one more year of blessings and 
mercies. Although some of our dear friends, 
and many of our fellow-men have been re- 
moved by death, our lives are preserved. 

" We have been carried and returned in safe- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 187 

ty, restored to health when sick, and provided 
with all needful comforts. Our dear little one 
is in health. To-morrow will be the day of 
united fasting and prayer for the conversion of 
the world. May it prove a day of God's 
power, and may God prepare me for the new 
duties which will devolve upon me 1 " 

The above is the last extract from her pri- 
vate journal. It ends with a prayer, which, 
we trust has been answered. 

Extracts from letters written during her resi- 
dence in Hudson. 

Hudson, Ohio, Aug 23, 1832. 
"My dear C, 

" Here I am, seven hundred miles from 
you, although when I think of you the dis- 
tance seems annihilated, and 1 feel as though 
it was but a step between us. Our hearts are 
still united, and, I trust, will be, although our 
personal intercourse is interrupted. Yes, here 
we are, in that same Hudson which has excited 
so much interest in the circle of my friends. 

" Hudson is a spot of cleared land, surround- 
ed on all sides by the forest. There is a con- 



18& MEMOIR OF 

siderable village around the meeting-house, 
about an eighth of a mile from where we board. 
Near us are the college buildings and a 
number of houses occupied chiefly by the pro- 
fessors and others connected with the institu- 
tion. 

" The ladies to whom I have been intro- 
duced are mostly the wives of clergymen or 
otherwise connected with their families. They 
appear friendly and polite, not at all formal, 
but the reverse ; and [ think I shall enjoy 
their society much. 

" The people come to meeting in their light 
wagons, with their colts and babes. Chaises 
are very little used." 

To Mr. Clark. 

Sept. 16, 1832. 
" My dear Husband, 

" I find my thoughts involuntarily wan- 
dering to you as I look on the glowing west ; 
and I find a shade of melancholy stealing over 
my heart and a tear from my eye, when I re- 
alize that you are so far away. Do not sup- 
pose, however, that I am unhappy or unrecon- 
ciled. No ; I feel it to be a privilege to be so 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 189 

nearly connected with one who is willing to 
make sacrifices for the cause of Christ, and 
who, I trust, is actively engaged for the ad- 
vancement of that cause. If I can say any 
thing to animate you in the prosecution of this 
good work, I shall gladly do it. I hope you 
will go on with zeal and energy ; and, relying 
on the grace of God, will, I doubt not, with 
success. One of our missionaries remarked, 
i weariness is sweet, when procured in the ser- 
vice of the Lord Jesus.' May you find this 
true from your own experience, possessing the 
testimony of your conscience that you are la- 
boring for Him. 

"Adieu for the present. Dr. Payson says 
that word i adieu ' means ' I commend you to 
God.'" 

To the same. 

Oct. 13, 1832. 
" I feel thankful to our heavenly Father, 
who has so graciously preserved and blessed 
you, and trust he will continue his mercy and 
permit us to meet and rejoice in his goodness. 
I am employed about four or five hours in the 
day in teaching. I am pleased with the em- 



190 MEMOIR OF 

ployment, because it affords me an opportunity 
of doing something for others ; and it prevents 
my thoughts from dwelling too exclusively on 
my own particular interests. 

"With regard to your absence, though my 
heart sometimes proves rebellious, yet I rejoice 
in your usefulness, and would rather have you 
continue in your present employment, with a 
heart devoted to God, than to witness your 
elevation to the most exalted station, without 
regard to his glory and the eternal interests of 
your fellow-men. 

ToC. 

Hudson, Nov. 26, 1832. 
"My dear C, 

" 1 am alone, with a comfortable fire, 
good health and spirits, and constant occasion 
for gratitude to Him, who is bestowing upon 
me a continued succession of undeserved favors. 
I can truly say, that ' goodness and mercy- 
have followed me ' ever since I left you. My 
health was never better. I have often been 
deprived of the society of my dear husband ; — 
this I feel to be a trial, — but it does not dis- 
tress me. On the contrary, I rejoice to have 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 191 

him engaged in what I believe to be an exten- 
sive sphere of usefulness. I have been entire- 
ly free from depression of spirits. Although 
I often think of you and other dear friends 
with inexpressible tenderness, yet I have never 
for a moment regretted the circumstance which 
occasioned my separation from you." 

To Mrs. A. O. K. 

Hudson, June 1, 1833. 
"My dear Friend, 

" I suppose, by this time, you will be 

ready to inquire how I like Ohio ? — a question 

I very often have occasion to answer. I feel 

perfectly well contented, and have been, ever 

since I came here. I do not recollect one hour 

of despondency. Although I think much of 

eastern friends by day, and dream of them at 

night, yet I am reconciled to a separation, and 

feel at home where Providence has allotted me 

a residence. The society in Hudson is quite 

pleasant. I have not so good an opportunity 

to do good as I should have in more destitute 

places ; but Mr. Clark has more business here 

than in any one place beside, and therefore 

chooses it as -a place of residence." 

17 



192 MEMOIR OF 

To Mrs. J. S. C. 

Log Houses. Schools. 

" I never was in a log house till I went to 
Huntsburg, which is rather a newly settled 
place ; but I became quite accustomed to them 
before I left. They have usually not more 
than two rooms, and a loft which the occupants 
call a chamber. But they manage to stow 
away a large family, and a visiter too, very 
comfortably. The fires in their rough stone 
fire-places appeared very large to me, I assure 
you, accustomed as I have been, in Massachu- 
setts, to see the necessity of economy in the 
use of wood. The richest man in H., a man 
of wealth, information and refinement, still oc- 
cupies a log house. Many ministers are oblig- 
ed to content themselves with similar accom- 
modations. Still, although the country appears 
new to me, those who have been here ten or 
fifteen years have witnessed the most surprising 
and rapid improvement. In the towns I have 
visited, they have district schools, supported in 
part by the c school fund,' and partly by the 
parents of the children. Flourishing select 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 193 

schools are common. Several of Miss Grant's 
pupils are in this country, teaching. Many of 
the more recent settlements are supplied with 
preaching part of the time, one minister preach- 
ing at two or more places alternately. The 
' sound of the church-going bell ' is almost nev- 
er heard. Many of the towns on the Reserve 
are without a meeting-house. I sometimes, in 
imagination, hear the pleasant sound of the 
many bells which greet your ear of a Sabbath 
morning, and think of your solemn and silent 
assemblages, — your large and well filled houses 
of worship, — listed doors and carpeted aisles, — 
while here, in the newly settled towns, the 
people meet in an unfinished house, with a 
carpenter's bench for a pulpit, and boards laid 
across logs for seats, — or in a small school- 
house, where the people come with their whole 
families, often riding on an ox-sled or wagon, 
even to the little babe a few months old. This 
last circumstance, though very inconvenient 
for the mother, who would otherwise be de- 
tained from meeting, and by no means agree- 
able to the congregation, creates less disturb- 
ance than I should expect." 



194 MEMOIR OF MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 

The first Settler of Hudson. 

" I was yesterday at the house of the first 
settler of this town. His name is Hudson, and 
after him the town was named. He is now 
aged, but still useful, highly respected, wealthy 
and disposed to use his property for God. He 
told me he felt himself to be a steward, respon- 
sible for the use of that which is entrusted 
to him." 



CHAPTER IX. 



Last Sickness and Death ; — Death of her Child. 

The ways of God are a great deep. How 
different the divine purposes from the short- 
sighted arrangements of human wisdom ! Tru- 
ly, in the midst of life we are in death. 

About the last of May, 1835, Mr. Clark 
left Hudson, with his wife and child, and pro- 
ceeded to Huntsburg, where they remained 
with friends, while he prosecuted his journey 
to Madison. At this place he was attacked 
with fever, which brought him very low, and 
made it necessary that his family should be 
sent for. Mrs. Clark was indefatigable in her 
attentions to her husband, and probably neg- 
lected herself. In a few days he became con- 
valescent, while she was prostrated. 

The following account of the progress of 
her disease and its termination, and of the ex- 
17* 



196 MEMOIR OF 

ercises of her mind during its continuance, has 
been collected from memoranda made at the 
time, by her afflicted husband, and from the 
recollections of Miss Garland, the intelligent 
and faithful nurse who administered to her ne- 
cessities. 

May 27. Mr. Clark writes, " Yesterday, 
Mary Ann was taken with bilious fever, — par- 
oxysms once in twenty -four hours, quite severe. 
She manifested a good degree of patience and 
resignation, her reliance being on her Savior." 
" June 5. Much altered ; I began to feel 
that she would not recover. To my inquiry, 
respecting the state of her mind, she replied, 
' Calm and resigned ; the Lord is able to re- 
store me, if it is his will ; if not, he will not 
do it.' I asked, Can you put your trust in 
him? She said 'yes,' and repeated several 
verses of the 107th Psalm, which she said were 
applicable to her case. Perceiving me to be 
somewhat agitated, she said, 'My dear hus- 
band, may the Lord bless you, whether I live 
or die.' 

" Sabbath, June 7. Last night in great 
distress; — symptoms decidedly bad. This 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 197 

morning, she observed, ( I have passed a favor- 
able night, in some respects. I have had 
clearer views of divine things, and have felt 
more of a willingness to depart and be with 
Christ. He has appeared precious to me.' 
She said, with much emotion, ' I have been 
unfaithful, and I pray to God, that, if I die, 
my death may be the means of benefiting you, 
more than my life has done.' She then re- 
peated the text for the day, — John 14 : 26; 
' But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, 
whom the Father will send in my name, he 
shall teach you all things, and bring all things 
to your remembrance, whatsoever 1 have said 
unto you,' — and desired me to pray that the 
Comforter would do this in her case. 

" 3 P. M. I asked her, how she had enjoy- 
ed her mind to-day ? She replied, ? When I 
have kept it on heavenly things, I have enjoy- 
ed it well. Although, when I think of you 
and dear little Mary, I desire to live, yet I 
think it would not be hard for me to join the 
great congregation of the dead. I have been 
very unfaithful; yet the Lord is gracious, in 
granting me his presence. Could I have such 



198 



MEMOIR OF 



views, and be sustained as I am, if I were not 
a child of God ? I have been a backsliding 
disciple ; but, O, dear Savior, I desire to be 
with thee, where thou art.' She then asked, 
' How do you feel in relation to my death ?' I 
replied, that I thought I could say, the will of 
the Lord be done ; yet the separation would 
cost me a very severe struggle. She then 
observed, that 'she had rather die, than to 
live and see me die.' This was said in reply 
to a remark, that 1 had been raised up, and she 
had taken my place. She requested me to 
read some hymns and passages from the Bible, 
which she appeared to enjoy very much. Her 
soul was stayed on God. She observed, that 
' it was a precious thought, that we should not 
long be separated; that we should soon be 
united in heaven, and that Marv would be with 
us too.' 

" June 8. She said she felt entirely resign- 
ed to the will of God, whether it was to live 
or to die ; that she relied on God, her Savior. 
She desired to be specially remembered in the 
family devotions this morning, that she might 
enjoy more of the light of God's countenance, 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 199 

and clearer views of the heavenly world. She 
spoke of her sins, her great sins, with humility. 
In the course of the day, she told me that she 
wished to bear her dying testimony to her 
friends, in favor of my faithfulness as a hus- 
band. She said, ' You have been a kind and 
affectionate husband, and, since our union, my 
happiness has been greatly increased. Be 
careful and let Mary be under a decided Chris- 
tian influence ; aim at possessing the spirit of 
heaven/ 

* June 9. Last night in great distress. 
Brother Cowles called to see her, and asked 
if she could contemplate death with compos- 
ure ? ' Yes/ she replied, 1 1 think it would not 
be hard to put off this tabernacle of clay.' 
She requested him to pray that she might have 
strong faith, and that, if her sickness should be 
protracted, she might have patience to bear her 
sufferings cheerfully. ( In my death, I desire 
to honor my Savior. I have not honored him 
as I ought to have done, in life ; pray that I 
may do it in death/ 

" She frequently expressed her gratitude, that 
God had not left her to suffer great mental 



200 MEMOIR OF 

darkness, as she deserved. I repeated the 
lines, 

' Jesus can make a dying bed,' &c, 

and she added, ' I hope I shall be enabled to 
lean my head on his breast, 

"And breathe my life out sweetly there." ' 

" June 10. More comfortable this morning. 
The two last chapters of Revelation were read 
to her. She observed, ' Precious chapters ! 
Heaven is a precious place. " There shall be 
no night there ; and they need no candle, nei- 
ther the light of the sun ; for the Lord God 
giveth them light." ' I asked if she would 
like to see Mary to-day ? She replied, ' Yes ; 
but I am not as anxious respecting her as I 
have been. I want to hear her little voice 
singing the praises of the Savior.' 

" June 11. Comfortable, but no probability 
of recovery. While conversing upon what my 
situation would be after her death, she placed 
her hand on my head, and prayed that God 
would sustain, provide for and bless me. As 
we were singing 

' I 'm not ashamed to own my Lord,' &c, 
she seemed to catch the spirit of the hymn. 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 201 

and when we had proceeded to the last verse, 
with a peculiarly animated countenance, she 
exclaimed, ' Is it possible that 

" He will own my worthless name 
Before his Father's face; 
And in the New Jerusalem 
Appoint my soul a place ?" 

Yes,' she added, 

' " Firm as his throne his promise stands, 
And he can well secure 
What I 've committed to his hands." 

Well, I have, and do commit, my soul to his 
hands.' She afterwards offered a short prayer, 
and sent messages to the members of the 
Western Reserve college church, and to sev- 
eral beneficiaries of her acquaintance, urging 
them to holiness, and that they should regulate 
their lives by the word of God. 

" The Rev. Mr. Kelly, at whose house they 
were, inquired how she felt, in view of leaving 
her husband and child ? She replied, ' I have 
given them up to God, and I do believe the 
Savior will own that child as a lamb of his 
flock, and that I shall, one day, hear her unite 
in the anthems of heaven ; and that God will 



202 MEMOIR OF 

take care of my dear husband.' She then 
prayed that she might be enabled to glorify 
God every remaining moment of her existence. 
After dinner, she offered a long prayer for the 
light of God's countenance ; for me, that I 
might be sustained ; for Mary, that she might 
be early redeemed and trained up for heaven ; 
for her father and mother, brothers and sisters, 
and for the Western Reserve college church. 
This she called her c dying prayer.' 

" June 12. A most distressed night. This 
morning, requested us to sing a hymn, and ap- 
peared to be calm and happy, while we were 
thus engaged. She asked her physician, if he 
thought she could hold out through the day ? 
He replied, ' Not more than twenty-four hours, 
unless some change.' She then said, ' I hope 
not ;' and thanked him for his kind attentions to 
her, and charged him to be faithful to the souls 
of his patients. I remarked, ' What a happy 
exit from a world of sin and sorrow, into a 
heaven of eternal joy and peace ! ' She re- 
plied, 'Inexpressible! inexpressible!' 

" June 13. Evidently sinking. She said, 
' My precious husband, I do love you still, but 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 203 

I love my Savior more than any earthly object ; 
and then requested me to pray with her once 
more. About ten o'clock, appeared to be 
weary, and said, c It seems to me you are a 
great while in getting ready to pray,' — proba^ 
bly thinking herself to be dying. She was 
asked, soon after, if Christ was still precious to 
her ? She made, as I thought, an effort to say 
yes, but was too far gone, and at twelve min- 
utes past ten breathed her last. Brother Pat- 
ton, who was present, commended her spirit to 
God." 

Miss Garland remarks, that " soon after the 
commencement of her sickness, she expressed 
entire submission to the will of her heavenly 
Father, and said, that, three months ago, she 
should not have thought it possible, that she 
could have such feelings in such circumstances. 
Her present happy state of mind she attributed 
to the prevalent prayers of Christian friends. 

" At one time, she said, c I think I have not 

felt sufficiently the importance of requesting 

prayers, that my sins might be forgiven,' and 

added, 'I have been a great sinner.' She 

18 



204 



MEMOIR OF 



then requested, that I would remember this in 
all my prayers. I remarked, that it was a 
cheering consideration to the Christian, that 
'the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin.' 
' Yes,' she said, with emphasis, ' all sin, all 
sin ;' and then, raising her eyes to heaven, 
exclaimed, ' O, my precious Savior ! do not 
let me be cast off with thine enemies, to take 
up my abode with unbelievers and those who 
are blaspheming thine holy name. O, my 
God and Savior, I cleave to thee ; wash me 
in thy precious blood, and receive me to thy- 
self, to praise thee for ever in heaven.' 

" The Saturday night previous to her death 
was one of peculiar suffering and distress. 
Observing my agitation, she thus addressed 
me : ' My dear Miss G., give up your anxiety 
and efforts to save this poor body from the 
grave. It is just fit for the grave, and I only 
wish now to prepare to die.' I then inquired 
whether she had no desire to live for the glory 
of God and to do good. She replied, — ' I 
have been so unfaithful all my life, in the 
cause of my precious Savior, that I am afraid 
I should not honor him, if I were to be re- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 205 

stored. And now that I am so near heaven, I 
cannot bear to think of coming back to earth 
and living a worldly Christian, and casting 
reproach upon the name of Christ.' She 
then offered a most touching and fervent 
prayer, that her sins might be forgiven, her 
soul sanctified and received to heaven. 

" At another time, I inquired how she felt in 
view of death, and how Christ and heaven 
appeared. She replied, < Christ is precious, 
the chiefest among ten thousand, and alto- 
gether lovely ; heaven is glorious, and death is 
divested of his sting.' As she seemed rather 
disinclined to take medicine, thinking that it 
protracted her sufferings and continuance in 
this world, 1 reasoned with her a little, saying, 
that it was important we should suffer, as well 
as do the will of our heavenly Father, — that 
means were in our hands, and that he had 
made it our duty to use them, leaving the 
event to him. She seemed to be immediately 
convinced, and replied, ' Well, you know 
best,' and took the potion I had prepared for 
her, without further objection, praying that God 
would help her to take that and all other med- 



206 MEMOIR OF 

icines directed for her, and give them just such 
an effect as he should see best. She then 
appeared satisfied and tranquil in her mind, 
although in great bodily distress. About an 
hour after, she said, * I fear I have committed 
a great sin to-night, in not having been willing 
to get well. I have been afraid I should get 
back into the world, and sin and dishonor my 
precious Savior.' When the day began to 
dawn, she insisted on my retiring to seek some 
rest, saying, that a few days had endeared me 
to her very much, — that she was very partial 
to my attendance upon her, but that she could 
not bear that 1 should suffer so much on her 
account. ' So,' said she, ' go to bed, and I 
will take all my medicines.' When I returned, 
to my inquiry, how she had been, she replied, 
* More comfortable ; have slept some, but 
awoke before sunrise and endeavored to com- 
pose my mind, and to recollect some passages 
of scripture suitable for the morning.' The 
resurrection scene had been the subject of her 
meditations, and she spoke of it as having been 
a precious season to her soul. 

" One day, some Christian friends called and 



MKS. M. A. O. CLARK. "207 

requested to be admitted into the chamber. 
She asked. ' Are they Christians V I replied, 
< They are.' ' Then let them come.' she 
said ; ' it does me good to converse with 
Christians.' When they came in, she inquired 
into their state of feeling, and exhorted them 
to be faithful, and thus to prepare for a happy 
death. She afterwards said, ' If any call, let 
them come in : perhaps they may receive a 
message from a dying woman.' She added, 
*' 1 want to glorify God in this sickness and in 
my death.' To one, she said, 'I entreat 
you, do not neglect a single moment to seek 
an interest in the Savior.' To another, after 
some inquiries, she said, ' You must not live 
as you do any longer. It is a great privilege 
to be a decided Christian. Look at me, and 
be admonished to work while the day lasts.' 

" At one time, she desired me to draw aside 
the curtain, that she might look out upon the 
setting sun, observing, that she delighted to 
contemplate God in the works of nature. At 
another, as I raised her up in bed, and she 
caught a glimpse of herself in the glass, she 
said, ' This is death, — this is death.' I asked 
18* 



208 MEMOIR OF 

if she could contemplate the subject without 
fear? She replied, 'Although I walk through 
the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear 
no evil. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort 
me.' 

" When bathing her burning hands and throb- 
bing head with cold water, she said it reminded 
her of a passage in the Bible of which she had 
been thinking : ' And he showed me a pure 
river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceed- 
ing out of the throne of God and the Lamb.' 

" Thursday morning, she expressed the senti- 
ment, that this would be her last day. I ask- 
ed, if she really felt that she should, that day, 
be introduced to the society of Abraham, Isaac, 
Jacob, prophets and apostles, and Christ the 
Lord of glory. She replied, < 1 know no other 
heaven.' I observed that her countenance 
was serene, and that she appeared very happy, 
and inquired for the cause. She said that her 
Savior was near and precious, and that under- 
neath her were the everlasting arms. 

" The day before her death, she imparted to 
me her dying blessing. Laying her right 
hand upon my head, and embracing me in the 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 209 

most affectionate manner, she said, ' My dear 
Miss G., may God Almighty bless you and fill 
you with his Spirit ;' and then she invoked a 
blessing on my life and death, and that God 
would at last receive me into the presence and 
joy of our Lord." 

Such was the death of Mrs. Clark. In the 
hour of her sharpest conflict, her mind was 
stayed on God. As soon as she perceived 
that it was plainly the will of her heavenly 
Father to take her hence, she immediately 
addressed herself to the business of prepara- 
tion ; and having, in her dying prayer, com- 
mended herself, her dear husband and her 
child to the divine protection, she appears to 
have entertained no wish to return to the 
world. 

Her funeral sermon was preached by the 
Rev. Mr. Kelly, from Ps. 119 : 75 : "I know, 
O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that 
thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me." 

Her mortal remains were deposited tempora- 
rily in the church-yard at Madison, but, sub- 
sequently, were removed to Hudson. 



210 MEMOIR OF 

The dear child of her hopes and her prayers 
did not long survive her. Although, at the 
time of her sickness and death, it was in perfect 
health, yet she seems to have had a presenti- 
ment that the separation would be short. A 
few days before her departure, speaking of 
Mary, she said, " I now know that God has 
heard my prayer ; I can, with perfect confi- 
dence, leave this child with him. I had be- 
lieved, that I should one day hear her infant 
lips singing the praises of my precious Savior, 
and I still believe it." Her husband remarks, 
that " she undoubtedly had it strongly impress- 
ed on her mind, that Mary would not live 
through the period of infancy." 

Early in September, she was attacked with 
whooping-cough, attended with inflammation 
of the lungs, which proved fatal before the 
close of the month. 

In a letter addressed to the compiler of this 
Memoir, soon after the death of the child, Mr. 
Clark observes, — " And now, dear sir, you 
'see that I am literally empty and alone ; yet I 
feel no disposition to complain. Although it 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 211 

was hard to part with those dear ones, yet the 
thought, that my heavenly Father has done it, 
and that they are now together completely 
happy in the employments of heaven, stills 
every murmuring feeling." 






CHAPTER X. 

Reflections ; — Testimonials ; — Conclusion. 

Christianity, wherever it is received, puri- 
fies and elevates the female character. Through 
this medium, chiefly, its influence is extended 
and perpetuated. H the world is ever to be 
reclaimed from the dominion of the prince of 
darkness, it will be accomplished very much 
through the instrumentality of pious mothers 
and pious female teachers. Those who direct 
the infant mind have the power to change the 
destinies of the world. Philanthropists, in all 
their efforts to bless mankind, should have 
their thoughts directed constantly to this sub- 
ject. Our missions to foreign lands and among 
our own western wilds would lose more than 
half their influence, should the counsels of 
some who are wise above what is written pre- 
vail, and the preachers of the cross go forth 



MEMOIR OF MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 213 

unassociated with female helpers. It is appre- 
hended that this fact accounts in part for the 
well-known immorality prevalent in Romish 
communities. There is a want of appropriate 
female influence on the priesthood, — a silent, 
but all-pervading influence, commencing in the 
first breathings of infancy, and continuing to 
the end of life. 

Already, several of the pupils of Mrs. Clark 
have become hopefully pious, and are pursuing 
a course honorable to themselves, and which 
promises to be useful to the world. It is 
hoped that they all, as they peruse the record 
of her life, will reflect on her counsels ; and 
that, in answer to her fervent petitions, they 
may, individually, become like her, so far as 
she resembled Christ. 

One of her intimate friends, in reply to a 
letter, requesting that she would forward such 
letters in her possession as were adapted to 
publication, observes, " I can truly say, I never 
received a letter from her that did not contain 
something valuable. You will learn, from 
these letters, how faithful a friend she was to 
me, and how much I must feel the loss of one 



214 MEMOIR OF 

so dear; but we shall meet again, and that 
thought cheers me. I trust her Memoir will 
be so arranged as to do much good, and be a 
means of guiding immortal souls to the abodes 
of light and glory." 

In a subsequent letter, the same individual 
writes, — "Mary Ann was a much loved and 
long tried friend to me ; she was more than a 
sister. She was, I think, the instrument of 
leading me to view the world in its proper 
light, and of calling my attention to the subject 
of religion. Her faithfulness can never be 
fully appreciated in this life. When she 
thought she first loved the Savior, and felt 
deeply interested also for me, 1 tried to shun 
her, knowing that I could not enjoy her society"" 
as formerly, and having myself no inclination 
to become a follower of Christ. She was 
unwearied, however, year after year, while 1 
was much engaged in the follies and fashions 
of the world ; and when she saw any indica- 
tions that her prayers for me were about being 
answered, then she was a friend indeed. I 
never, while life lasts, shall forget the first time 
she called me ' sister,' in a little note she wrote 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 215 

me. I think our attachment has strengthened 
with our years, and has not been lessened in 
the least by our separation. But she is gone ! 
Sweet saint, may thy death have its appropri- 
ate effect on my heart, and be a means of 
leading me more and more to my Savior ! My 
friend, we shall meet her again, and she will 
be more lovely than when here. She will be 
clothed in the robe of the Savior's righteous- 
ness, and be made perfect in his likeness. 
Let us not mourn as those who have no hope, 
but press on to follow her, as she followed 
Christ." 

Another of her correspondents writes as fol- 
lows : 

"She was indeed dear, very dear to my 
heart. From our first attachment, I have ever 
felt for her a sisterly affection. Of course, I 
must deeply feel her loss, and cannot but 
weep when I think that, while on earth, I 
shall no more exchange the affectionate em- 
brace with her. I would not, however, call 
her back, but rather rejoice that her aspirations 
after holiness are no longer mixed with sin, 
and that she is in the full fruition of all she 
19 



216 MEMOIR OF 

anticipated or hoped for while here below. 
How pleasant is the thought, that one so dear 
has already begun to swell the rapturous notes 
of praise for redeeming love to him who sitteth 
on the throne, who has washed her robes and 
made them white in his own most precious 
blood ! 

" From the time she cherished a hope of an 
interest in Christ, she ever maintained a devot- 
edness and consistency of Christian character, 
far above the generality of Christians. It was 
not, however, a devotedness which savored of 
singularity or moroseness, — which seemed to 
say, { Stand by thyself; I am holier than thou ;' 
but it was characterized by sincerity, unaffect- 
ed humility, and a good degree of cheerfulness. 
Humility was so prominent a trait in her char- 
acter, that it adorned and beautified all her 
other excellences. Religion appeared to be 
the mainspring of all her actions. I used to 
think I loved her ardently, before she obtained 
1 the pearl of great price,' but I found her still 
more lovely afterwards ; her Christian fidelity 
greatly increased my attachment to her. Well 
can I attest to her faithfulness ; for being my- 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 217 

self, at that time, destitute of the hope she 
possessed, she neglected no opportunity for 
pressing the subject more closely upon my 
attention. It being necessary that I should 
return home two or three weeks before the 
term closed, our intercourse, for a little season, 
was more frequent than usual. Several nights 
we spent together at our boarding-houses ; and 
I can never forget her affectionate and earnest 
entreaties, at such times, that I would become 
reconciled to God ; nor her fears lest I should 
return home and forget the instructions and 
impressions I had received. 

" While I sketch these scenes, it seems but 
as yesterday since I enjoyed them ; and I 
cannot realize, that she of whom I have so 
freely spoken has paid the debt of nature, and 
is for ever gone, — gone, I trust, to receive a 
reward for all she did to promote the cause of 
Christ upon earth. Perhaps I have said too 
much; if so, will you forgive me? for it is a 
theme on which I delight to dwell. It is my 
prayer, that her mantle may fall on me, un- 
worthy as I am, and that I may walk in the 
light of her holy example." 



218 MEMOIR OF 

Another of her friends writes, — 

" You must be aware of the happy faculty 
which Mary Ann possessed, of entering at once 
into the feelings of others, and sympathizing in 
all their trials. She was very ardent in her 
attachments, and her kindness and constant 
attention to the wants and wishes of others 
soon won the hearts of all who knew her. 

" When I review my past life, recollections of 
Mary Ann are intimately blended with the whole 
of it since 1818; and I never take a solitary 
walk, or ramble in the fields, without thinking 
of her. At such times, my feelings are sad, 
yet intermingled with a pleasurable sensation. 
While the eye of faith follows her to the bliss- 
ful abodes of joy, and beholds her in the im- 
mediate presence of her God, tuning her golden 
harp in praise of him ' who loved us and 
washed us from our sins in his own blood,' can 
I be sad ? With such thoughts as these, every 
vestige of selfishness seems done away, and I 
can rejoice with her. I did once hope, that 
when my summons to depart should come, that 
that loved one whom we now mourn would 
have smoothed my dying pillow, and have 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 219 

pointed me to the blissful abodes of peace be- 
yond this sorrowing world ; yet the Lord has 
seen fit to order it otherwise, and I would 
learn with cheerfulness to submit to his holy 
will. 

I have sent the letters, as you requested, 
although it seems like tearing myself from a 
dear friend to part with them. I am glad you 
think of publishing a Memoir, and am persuad- 
ed it will do good ; — to her friends, it will be 
invaluable. As you peruse these letters, you 
will discover what she was to me. I shall 
never forget how, after the death of my own 
dear sister, she strove every way to comfort 
me, and to be to me what my dearest M. had 
been ; and when all on earth seemed dark and 
dreary to me, she was as some bright star, on 
which I loved to look, and I clung to her with 
increasing affection. Her affection for me, I 
think, originated in pity for my afflicted condi- 
tion ; yet I know how to appreciate her tender 
attentions to a lone, desolate being, who felt 
herself neither fit to live nor fit to die, She 
now has her reward ; and may we follow her, 
•as far as she followed Christ 1" 
19* 



220 



MEMOIR OF 



Such were the feelings of one who knew 
her well, — who was capable of appreciating 
the excellences of her character, and who 
would by no means use the language of adula- 
tion with reference either to the living or the 
dead. 

To the foregoing, I am permitted to add a 
letter of Rev. Dr. Cogswell, Secretary of 
the American Education Society ; and also a 
letter from the pastor of the first church at Ran- 
dolph, Mass. Both gentlemen were intimately 
acquainted with the subject of the Memoir, 
and highly appreciated her character. 

" Boston, June, 1835. 
"Ebenezer Alden, M. D., 

"My Dear Sir: — Yesterday, I re- 
ceived a letter from my deeply afflicted friend, 
the Rev. Ansel R. Clark, in which I was re- 
minded of a promise, that, in some leisure hour, 
I would write you, and give, in brief, some of 
the characteristic features of his dear, departed 
wife, as they should occur to my mind. 

My acquaintance with Miss Odiorne, — af- 
terwards Mrs. Clark, — commenced in the year 
1819, while she was on a visit at my house. 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 221 

As she was a beloved friend and relative of 
Mrs. C, we were favored with occasional 
visits from her until she removed to Hudson, 
by which 1 had an opportunity of learning 
particularly her character. The opinion which 
I then formed of Mrs. Clark, I have never had 
occasion to alter ; for it was founded on the 
true apprehension of her qualities of mind and 
heart. Being naturally modest and unassum* 
ing, her intimate friends only could fully dis- 
cover the excellences with which she was 
adorned, and which were gradually developed 
by an extended acquaintance. In every situ- 
ation in life, she conscientiously desired and 
endeavored to render herself useful to those 
with whom she associated, and, by her kind 
and obliging disposition, her mild and amiable 
manners, she gained the affection and confi- 
dence of all who knew her. Clear discern- 
ment, good sense and wise judgment were 
prominent traits of her mind. She possessed 
great delicacy and refinement of taste, and an 
exquisite sense of female decorum. While 
entirely free from disguise, she was sincere, 
ingenuous and ardent in her attachments. Her 



222 



MEMOIR OF 



powers of intellect were highly respectable, 
and were well cultivated by education and dis- 
cipline. Her piety was consistent and uniform, 
gradually increasing ' as the shining light, that 
shineth more and more unto the perfect day.' 
She possessed a large share of genuine humili- 
ty ; and while she was inclined to estimate her 
own attainments in piety as far inferior to those 
of other Christians, she appeared to delight in 
their excellences, and to rejoice in what she 
considered their superior devotedness to the 
cause of Christ. So habitual was her circum- 
spection, that, for several years, her most inti- 
mate acquaintances have seldom been able to 
discover any thing censurable in her conversa- 
tion or deportment generally. A friend of 
Mrs. Clark recently observed, ' When in her 
company, I always felt reproved by her exam- 
ple.' In determining any duty, she came to a 
decision apparently with much deliberation and 
prayer. To her heavenly Father, she was 
accustomed to look for light and direction ; 
and when satisfied as to the path to be pus-sued, 
she was firm and unwavering. Her trust in 
God was strong and abiding, even unto the 
end. 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 223 

" Such were some of the lineaments of Mrs. 
Clark's character, which endeared her to a 
large circle of friends, who will long delight to 
cherish her in affectionate remembrance. And 
while they mourn that they can no longer 
enjoy her friendship and society on earth, they 
rejoice to contemplate her as a pure and happy 
spirit in the presence of Him, whom, having 
not seen, she loved, and in whom she now 
rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 
" Truly and affectionately yours, 

" William Cogswell." 

" Dr. E. Alden, 

" Dear Sir : — You are at liberty to 
use, as you think best, the following sketch of 
the character of our lamented Mary Ann : 

" The great excellence of Mrs. C.'s charac- 
ter consisted in its symmetry or due propor- 
tions. Ever prompt and ' ready,' but never 
in a hurry, she was at an equal remove from 
the lifeless and dilatory, and from the spirit of 
bustle which effects but little besides confu- 
sion. Sober and discreet in her judgment, and 
eminently gentle and diffident in her disposi- 



224 



MEMOIR OF 



tion, she discovered as little resemblance to 
the flighty and the rash, who act from the 
impulse of feeling, as to the confident and 
stubborn, who love an opinion because they 
have one, and a will because it is theirs,— on 
whom reason, and argument, and evidence are 
expended in vain. Blessed with no ordinary 
capacities of mental discernment, with a mind 
cultivated and trained to the habit of viewing 
subjects in all their relations and bearings, she 
could not decide hastily; but with a°moral 
courage which raised her above timidity, she 
was as far from the weakness of the doubting 
and vacillating, as from those who know all 
things by intuition. Clothed with humility, 
but not sufficiently so, in her own estimation, to 
engender spiritual pride,— dignified, without a 
consciousness of superiority, she could not 
annihilate the duty and the possibility of con- 
descension, by making herself equal with the 
really low and vulgar; nor could she claim 
any thing as due to herself because she was 
so elevated or so good. Zealous and earnest 
in her piety, but strictly sound and rational in 
her views of human nature, her feelings flowed 



MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 225 

too deep for noise. She differed not more 
widely from the torpid professor, who has a 
name to live while he is dead, than from the 
fanatic, who can do nothing for Christ unless 
it is out of the common course, — whose spirit- 
ual life is fitful and periodical. Wholly unas- 
suming in her deportment, she had no occasion 
to complain that woman has no influence, — for 
this plain reason, that she never destroyed 
her's by any glaring deficiency or inconsisten- 
cy. I have seldom had the happiness to be 
acquainted with any one, who, either as a 
woman or a Christian, had higher claims to 
respect and esteem ; and it is remarkable, that 
every one who knew her felt that these were 
claims which it was his or her privilege and 
happiness to discharge. 

" Yours truly, 

« C. H. 

"Randolph, Oct., 1836." 

Having accomplished the object which was 
proposed, namely, to present an outline of the 
character of Mrs. Clark, together with such 
extracts from her correspondence as it was 



226 MEMOIR OF MRS. M. A. O. CLARK. 

hoped would prove acceptable to her friends 
and useful to the public, the writer would 
bespeak the candor of the Christian reader 
with reference to faults which have arisen 
from his inexperience in the business of author- 
ship, and from the pressure of numerous en- 
gagements ; and would conclude, by expressing 
a hope, that not only he, but every one who 
may peruse this humble Memoir, may, in the 
dying hour, enjoy the unspeakable satisfaction 
of looking back upon a life consecrated to the 
service of the Redeemer. 



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